Diaries of S. H. Laughlin, of Tennessee, 1840, 1843

Samuel H. Laughlin, the writer of the following Diaries, was prominent in the fields of newspaper work and politics in Tennessee in the period of Jackson and Polk. As he tells us in the second Diary, he was born in Washington County, Virginia, May 1, 1796. Other biographical details are given in the Diaries. Of chief interest for the purposes of this present publication is the connection of Laughlin with the inner circle of the Jackson Democratic state machine. In 1835 it was decided to establish at Nashville a newspaper, the Nashville Union,(1) to represent the Jackson adherents in the community, which, although Jackson's home, preferred to adopt the cause of Judge Hugh Lawson White. Laughlin was selected as the editor. This connection, however, was not of long duration. At the time when the first of the Diaries here printed was written, Laughlin was a resident of McMinnville, in Warren County, in the Cumberland Mountain region of Tennessee. This first Diary describes a journey from McMinnville to Washington, D. C., and Baltimore, Maryland, made by Laughlin as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, held in Baltimore in May, 1840. Unfortunately the Diary breaks off shortly after the writer's arrival in Baltimore, and thus fails to give an account of the convention. However, besides many comments on political matters picked up by the way and varied illustrations of methods of travel in 1840, this Diary is interesting as giving authoritative information upon the political purposes of Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk and their Tennessee organization upon the eve of the campaign for Van Buren's reelection. In 1841-42 Laughlin was a member of the Tennessee Senate, and in this session and in the called session of 1842, he took a most prominent part in the partisan warfare by which a Democratic Senate blocked the Whig House of Representatives as to the election of Senators, with the result that Tennessee was without representation in the Senate until 1843, when the Whigs controlled both houses and succeeded in electing two Whig Senators, as is described in the second Diary. This senatorial episode of 1841-42, celebrated in Tennessee history, bestowed upon Laughlin, Andrew Johnson and the eleven Democratic Senators associated with them, the name of the "immortal thirteen." (2) In 1840 Harrison and Tyler carried the state; in 1841 Polk, a candidate for reelection as governor, was defeated by the Whig, James C. Jones, though the Democrats won a majority of the state Senate; in 1843 Jones was again successful, and the Democratic outlook was not encouraging. The candidacy of Polk for Vice-President, ()3 initiated in 1840, was, however, pressed again, and it was hoped that on account of the disorganization wrought by Tyler, the Democratic chances would be more favorable. This was the situation when the assembly met in October, 1843. Again the Diary is incomplete, but the detail with which it describes the procedure of the Legislature makes it a valuable source for the six weeks which it covers. The next year Laughlin was again a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. After the nomination had been attained he was again brought to Nashville to edit the Union which passed under the business management of John P. Heiss, a Pennsylvanian for some time identified with Tennessee and in this capacity fought valiantly for Folk's election. When Polk became President, Laughlin was rewarded by appointment to be Recorder of the General Land Office of the United States. He died in Washington. Throughout all of these years Laughlin was a frequent correspondent with Jackson and Polk, in whose papers are to be found many of his letters. In printing the Diaries the manuscript has been followed with exactness, except in the case of personal details, which usually refer to his own health or to private family matters. These omissions have been duly indicated. For the use of the original Diaries, which are written in a leather-bound book of the usual sort, the Magazine is indebted to Mrs. Jessie Spurlock Harrison, of McMinnville, Tenn., a great-granddaughter of Mr. Laughlin. St. George L. Sioussat Diary and Notes of my Journey to Baltimore, to the National Convention of 1840, and my visit to Washington City on the same occasion. Also Diary, journal and memoranda (see page 85 ), (4) made during the session of the Legislature of Tennessee, of 1843-4, by S. H. Laughlin. [I.] MCMINNVILLE, TENN., April 13, 1840. Having been appointed by the Central State Democratic Committee, a Delegate to [the] National Convention to be assembled at Baltimore on the 5th of May, proximo; and having been induced reluctantly, upon the urgent solicitation of Gov. Polk, the Committee, and many other friends to accept the appointment; and having consented and notified the Committee of my acceptance, I this day left home in the stage for Nashville to meet Mr. Thomas the delegate from Maury, and others, and to consult with friends at that place on the subject of the business and objects of the proposed convention, and then proceed to Baltimore by way of the "river route," via Louisville, Cincinnati, Wheeling and Washington City. We had a crowded stage. My son Samuel Houston was with me, going to Nashville to live with Mr. Kizer, my son-in-law, to learn business as a clerk; and Mr. John and Mr. William Black were going to Nashville, the former of whom lived there. Mrs. Roscoe, a married lady was going to Nashville to professor Villeplait's and Dr. William Richardson, was in the stage on his way from Virginia to Dickson County. Owing to the company of the ladies, and the badness of the roads, especially Wilson's Hill, we slept at Brandon's thirty miles from McMinnville. Saw Maj. Trott at Woodbury, and promised to write to him. Tuesday, April 14. We rose early, and with the aid afforded by Paul Herreford, the contractor's agent, we got safely over Wilson's Hill and to Murfreesboro by 10 o'clock, where I saw Dr. Rucker, Maj. Ledbetter and a few friends while breakfast was getting ready. I forgot to mention yesterday that a young Mr. Fain, and a Mr. Payne, a half-breed Cherokee, a relation of the Clark family at Kingston, were in the stage, just from Knoxville, and had informed us of the death of Judge Hugh Lawson White on the previous Friday (10th inst.). Chancellor Ridley who had left Knoxville on the previous Wednesday had before informed me, that when he left that place Judge Thos. L. Williams had told him that the Judge could not survive many days. So, here is an end of ambition of the ambition of an old politician who had been betrayed and deceived by his pretended friends, John Bell and others, into a course of intrigue and tergiversation, which had cast him from the Senate, had lost him the esteem of all good men in his state, and had embittered his latter days, and probably shortened his life. What a warning his example ought to afford to all thinking and candid men! (5) After breakfasting at Murfreesboro, the stage proceeded on the turnpike at the rapid rate of seven or eight miles an hour, and took us to Nashville by 4 o'clock P. M. I got out at the post office, and proceeded to Mr. Kizer's where I found my daughters Ellen and Isabella in good health, as was Mr. K. himself. After eating a hasty dinner, I received a message from Gen. Armstrong, that some friends desired to see me at his office (the post office) and called immediately where I met the Gen. [,] Gov. Polk, Capt S. M. Barnes and others. Dr. J. S. Young, Secretary of State, had called at Mr. Kizer's and went with me. While at the post office Judge G. W. Campbell and others called. I found Mr. Speaker Thomas, and Mr. Newton Clarke, delegates to Baltimore, the latter from Bedford, at Gen. A's. After some conversation, Col. J. G. Harris came in. Messrs. Thomas, Clarke and myself went home with the Governor to tea, and to pay our respects to the time honored sage of the Hermitage (6) who was at the Governor's house. We found the Ex President in good health and fine spirits; and very deeply impressed with the importance of the nomination of President and Vice President which it was the object of the Baltimore Convention to make. He was clear in the position that the nomination of Col. Johnson, (7) whom he greatly honors as a soldier and patriot would weaken and distract our party in the south, south west, and everywhere. That Georgia and Alabama had their own favorites, Forsyth and King, (8) but both preferred Polk to Johnson, and that Virginia and South Carolina would in no event vote for Johnson, and were both Polk states. That Polk would be acceptable to North Carolina, Alabama, S. Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and the whole southwest; that Virginia had nominated him unconditionally, and that in the North West he would be as strong as or stronger than Johnson. That Massachusetts had nominated Polk, affording a clear indication of the wishes of the whole eastern democracy. That he had been told, but did not credit it, that Mr. Kendall, Col. Benton and Mr. Poinsett were averse to Folk's nomination; that he had reason to believe that Mr. Wright of New York, and Mr. Allen of Ohio were for Polk; that the President stood entirely aloof, as he ought to dp, from all participation in the question; that he had written his views freely and fully to Col. Benton, Mr. Wright, Mr. Kendall and others. Wednesday, April 15, 1840. Again saw Col. Polk, and read his last letters from Mr. Grundy, Mr. Cave Johnson and Mr. Hubbard (David) Gen. A. Anderson and others. Heard his views at large, and his determination. He was advised that it was a project at Washington, (into which I fear our friends have been persuaded to unite if true) to make no nomination of Vice President at Baltimore, and let the states and the people unite upon candidates, and if no election is made by the Electoral Colleges, that the Senate will make a choice, which will ensure Gov. Polk's election anyhow. I do not approve of this, if it can possibly be avoided, because it may lead to the sacrifice of Col. Polk, and can have no other effect than to (perhaps) strengthen Mr. Van Buren whose election is safe anyhow; and because Gov. Polk ought not, and declares he will not, after the manner and example of Judge White in 1836, be run as a sectional candidate, to promote the personal prospects of any man, when he cannot be elected himself, and is not or may not be the choice of a majority of his own party. He declared to us, that in the event of Johnson's nomination, he would earnestly support him; but if no nomination was made, and states enough did not forthwith take him up, for which reasonable time might be allowed, to elect him, or place him foremost on the democratic list before the Senate, that he would forthwith withdraw his name, and take the field in support of Col. Johnson, or the strongest democratic candidate who may be brought out by the states or the people. He handed me letters of introduction for myself from Gen. Jackson to Messrs. T. L. Hamer of Ohio, Mr. Vanderpoel of New York, and Mr. Kendall the postmaster General. He furnished Mr. Thomas, while I went to engage a passage to Smithland, with a tabular calculation of Electoral votes; having previously read us copies of some of his last letters to our friends at Washington avowing his views and determination; and submitting matters as to nomination or no nomination to discretion of his friends from such events as had or might occur his last letters from them having been written before the Massachusetts nomination had reached Washington. I saw Gen. Jackson, and took leave of him at 1 o'clock P. M. at Gen. Armstrong's where he had dined. Capt. Wm. Armstrong, the Cherokee Agent West, had lately informed Gen. A. who had been at the Agency a week or two since, that an Agent of the Pennsylvania U. S. bank, was at the Agency with seven or eight hundred thousand dollars in U. S. Bank notes, and was offering them to Capt. A. as disbursing agent to a number of tribes of Indians, to be paid to them as annuities. He (Capt. A) had refused to receive it it was offered as upon authority of some disbursing officer of War Department, and possibly grew out of some arrangement sanctioned by Mr. Secretary Poinsett; and if so, which Capt. A. did not credit, it must be unknown to Mr. Van Buren. Capt A. I think had written to Mr. Poinsett. Gen. Armstrong had mentioned these facts to me yesterday evening. Gen. Jackson now told me on taking leave of him, that he had heard of the matter with astonishment; that it was an unjustifiable attempt of the bank in its suspended state, to throw its depreciated notes in circulation, not warranted by law, or justice to the Indians, and that he had or would write forthwith to Col. Benton and the President, and requested me personally, as from him, to mention the matter to both of them as soon as I arrived in Washington. After adjusting some matters of business, arranging exchanges etc. left Nashville on the Excel Steamer, Capt. Dashells, about 2 o'clock. P. M. in company with Messrs. Thomas and Clarke, and found Messrs. McFerrin, Parker, and Driskol, Delegates to the Baltimore General Conference of Methodist Church on board; and also Mr. Gaskill and lady of Gallatin, going East on a visit, and several other passengers, among whom was Maj. Whitlocke, an agent of Messrs. Hicks, Ewing & Go's Iron Establishment, and a Mr. Charles Adams a New York merchant, or collecting drummer, who was the most finical dandy of a glutton I had met with for many a day. Without any particular accident or material occurrence we got to Mouth of Harpeth, at foot of the shoals, and lay by all night in a fog. Thursday, April 16, 1840. Made an early start, and after stopping at Clarksville, Dover, Canton (in Trigg Co. Ky.) Eddyville in Caldwell Co. Ky., and after seeing the residences from the river, of Gen. M. Lyon, and Col. C. Lyon (the former of whom is dead) near the latter place, and hearing the Whigs on the bank at Eddyville lament the death of the great Hugh Lawson White as a loss to the Harrison cause, we arrived at Smithland about 10 o'clock at night and went off the boat at Bledsoe's Hotel to await and lookout for a boat going up the Ohio. Wrote letters home in the morning to Mrs. L. and J. W. Ford, and sent others written to some in Nashville to post office in Clarksville. Friday, April 17, 1840. Rose early, hoping for a boat to arrive. Had a tolerable breakfast; just after which the old Memphis Steamer came by, passing up the Ohio. There being ten of us she offered to take us to Louisville for $5 each. She was old, slow, and out of repair. We concluded by vote, not to go, though her Captain promised to take us to Louisville by Sunday morning, though Capt. Dasheils (a very clever fellow by the by) informed us she could not reach that place before Tuesday evening. McFerrin and others reported her "doings" as we say to be wretched, so we concluded to wait for the next Boat, as the Phillips and Monarch from St. Louis, bound up the Ohio were looked for in the course of the day. Wrote to Mr. Kizer of my arrival here, under cover to Gen. Armstrong, by the Excel, the Capt. promising to deliver. I had also written yesterday, to Mr. Keeble, from Clarksville to Murfreesboro, requesting him or Yoakum to attend Court for me at Murfreesboro and directing him and Dr. W. R. Rucker to write to G. W. Jones, Andrew Ewing or L. P. Cheatham to attend at Murfreesborough and make speeches at such time as they should appoint. Got off from Smithland, which is a most wretched place, at 5 o'clock P. M. on the Lexington, large Steamer, Capt. Alter of Cincinnati, for Cincinnati, and passed Golconda about sunset. At Smithland saw Mr. Spence, and Capt. J. G. Anderson, formerly of Nashville, who said that in Kentucky, many Whig Clay men had absolutely refused to go for Harrison. Anderson told me of several acts of anile folly and ostentation he had witnessed in Gen. Harrison's private conduct and that Harrison had said last fall, before he was nominated, that if Clay should be nominated at Harrisburg, that still, he H. would run for the Presidency as an independent candidate that H. disliked Clay personally. Spence, who lives at Smithland, the Mouth of Cumberland, which is in Livingston County, Ky. that the Whigs there, had a few days before, for $150, bought up Bell the Editor of the "Times" newspaper published there, and who had been a Democrat. Had a night of thunder, lightning and rain a night when Clouds obscure the atmosphere, and forked lightning's rend the air. Saturday, April 18, 1840. After having slept well, Thomas and myself having a state room, got up early, just as we were in sight of Mount Vernon, in Indiana, having passed Shaunytown, Illinois, and mouth of Wabash in the night. Run on rapidly, and passed Henderson, Ky. at 9 o'clock. Had a cloudy cold day, but made a good run, keeping in sight all day of the Swallow which had passed us at Smithland. Met many steam and flat boats going down. Had much conversation with a New Yorker, a native of Maryland, a democrat who had been living at Smithland, and was going home by Frankfort, Ky. A Mississippian, I think a Doctor, and Thomas had various discussions. Passed Evansville, la. which seems to be in a state of rapid growth. Learned that this place, where the Indiana Canal terminates, is the home of Mr. Geo. Proffit an Indiana Whig member of the present Sunday, April 19, 1840. Passed Brandenburg, Ky. about sunrise, and the Mouth of Salt River at breakfast time. Got on to Louisville, and walked from Mouth of Canal up to town with Thomas and N Yorker who lived at Southland as appeared. Put letter in Post office for Gen. Armstrong. Went to levee and found a crowd of people preparing to hold inquest over a drowned man who had just been discovered floating down the river. As soon as our boat got through the Canal, went on board. Rev. J. B. Mc-Ferrin, one of our company, came on board and Tho. J. Read, Mr. McAlister and M. [ ] (9) Woodburn of Madison, Indiana, who was on his way up home, fifty miles above Louisville. Was introduced by Mr. Read to these gentlemen, as democrats, and especially to Mr. Woodburn, who is a Methodist, democrat, and a man of very great influence in his own state. Soon left Louisville, and had long conversation with Mr. Woodburn. To satisfy him he might confide in me, and having assurances from Read of his trustworthiness, and finding him a Polk man, and full of intelligence, I talked freely with him, told him my business to Baltimore, which Read had informed him of, and told him I had letter from Gen. Jackson to Mr. T. L. Hamer of Ohio, etc. He told me if he had been at home, and could have attended the Indiana State Convention, that he believed Polk would have been nominated for V. P.; that he knew Johnson well, esteemed him as a patriot and soldier, but that his nomination would be a dead weight on us in the next election, as it had been in 1836. In every respect he esteemed Polk as the preferable man in talents, services being equal, and so much superior in private character. Mr. W. is a commissioner of the Board of public Works of Indiana. He said he had no fears of success in the coming election in Indiana. That Gen. T. A. Howard the democratic candidate for Gov. was all powerful! and charged me to present his respects to the Gen. at Washington, and tell him from him that he must hasten home and take the field, and to tell Gen. Carr, his own immediate representative in Congress the same thing. Said he would write in a day or two by mail to both gentlemen; and said that he earnestly hoped that Gov. Polk would be nominated that it would offset Harrison's popularity in Indiana. I wrote a letter by Mr. Woodburn to my brother Clinton at Gregory's Store, Indiana, requesting him to meet me at the boarding house at lower end of Louisville Canal as I return home, and to be there by 9th or 10th of May, and remain til I come on. Had a fine passage to Cincinnati or until retiring hour on the night of this day. Monday, April 20, 1840. Arrived at Cincinnati about 9 o'clock in the morning, and after various delays, and the dem[u]rring of Driskol and Parker, two preachers, we got off for Wheeling on the Steamer Montgomery, Capt. Regg, about 3 o'clock P. M. having left the two timid preachers McFerrin coming on with us (Thomas, Clark and myself, and Gaskill and wife, and Mrs. Robertson an old lady under McFerrin's care) and made a fine run, being nearly at Portsmouth, mouth of Ohio Canal, at mouth of Sciota, by daylight. Stop awhile at Portsmouth, to put off and take on some freight. Heard that the Rubicon steamer which had departed before us a few hours, with many preachers going to General Conference, accompanied by Bishop Roberts, was only a few hours before us. Passed Northbend, mouth of Great Miama, and Gen. Harrison's residence three miles above. It is a splendid residence, and great Canal from Cincinnati to [ ] (10) leaves river at his place. His residence, large white framed house, is beautiful finer than Mount Vernon. Tuesday, April 21, 1840. After leaving Portsmouth as stated above, we run on all day without accident or incident worth recording Read Lockhart's Life of Sir Walter Scott, and passed the day in looking at country seats, farms, villages, and scenery on the banks of the river. The river was evidently becoming narrower. From about 100 miles below Louisville, where the hills set in, this is the case and besides we had passed so many rivers, that the Ohio must now contain not much over two thirds or perhaps half the water it contains at Louisville. Went to bed early, and slept well. In evening, at Guyandot, saw a Harrison flag on long pole, standing on bank of river near the Landing. Wednesday, April. 22, 1840. In the morning found ourselves 30 miles below Marietta. Passed Blannerhasset Island, rendered immortal in story by Wirt's Speech in Burr's trial. It is two miles below Parkersburg, Va., at mouth of great Canawha. Got to Wheeling about dark in the evening, and engaged passage in the Pilot line of stages to leave for Frederick, Maryland, on next morning at 7 o'clock, and took lodgings at the U. S. Hotel. In the course of the day saw the Harrison flag suspended (or displayed) from a pole at Parkersburg perhaps Guyandot, don't precisely remember, but thought the thing ridiculous. Thursday, Aprl. 23, 1840. Left Wheeling and took the National road now in good repair and passed on rapidly by Washington, Pennsylvania. Found the neighborhood of Wheeling abounding in rich coal mines, and the farms in a high state of cultivation, the land along Wheeling creek being exceedingly rich, as well as the adjacent hill sides. Travelled on all day, and night, at good speed. In the portion of Pennsylvania through which we passed, farms were in high cultivation. After we entered the mountain regions, the trees, except near branches and water courses, were scarcely discoverable to pe putting forth leaves, and the apple trees, which grow to unusual size, were just in full blossom. The grass and clover, wild and cultivated however, was greatly more forward than it was anywhere in Middle Tennessee when I left home. I wrote a line home, enclosed to Mrs. L. through Squire Ford, at Wheeling. Friday, April 24, 1840. Travelled without intermission, breakfasting at Union Town, in Fayette County Pennsylvania, near which Mr. Gallatin formerly had his residence. About a dozen miles West of Union Town we passed Brownsville, in the same county, where we crossed the Monongohala on a excellent bridge. This is a point where many of the Pittsburg and Pennsylvania Steamboats are built for the Western trade. It is where our Capt. Gregg of the Montgomery has his home. The river at this place is a beautiful stream, and steamboats pass above, I learn, to the Virginia line. We made a good travel this ay, until we commenced the ascent of the Mountain proper; we made a good travel. We passed into Maryland at a place called the Little Crossings, where there is a tavern. At Cumberland we saw delightful scenery. Saturday, April 25, 1840. Morning found us about 25 miles above Hagerstown. By twelve, we arrived at Frederick, where we got a hasty breakfast, and got into the Railway cars for the Relay House, at the junction of the Washington and Baltimore and Frederick and Baltimore railroads, on the Patapsco, about four miles below Ellicot's Mills. The village at the pass with the Banking House, and other improvements, on the heights, the most picturesque we had seen, especially the private dwellings which were delightful. Got dinner at Relay House, and at 3 o'clock, or half past, got into the Washington cars as they passed from Baltimore, and in less than two hours, run about 35 miles to Washington. Met Col. Williamson Smith at Depot House in Washington, and below at Mrs. Owners, met Mr. Grundy (11) who arranged for me to get a room at Orchard (a house of Owner on the Avenue) next to Mr. Jamison of Missouri, up stairs, Mr. Turney (12) and Col. Boyd of Ky. occupying the two lower rooms. That evening was introduced to Dr. Linn of Mo. Judge Young of Illinois, Gen. Robinson of same, Col. Mouton of Louisiana, Mr. Parmenter and Mr. Williams of Massachusetts. Mr. Thomas and Mr. Clarke got quarters at Mrs. Brawners, next door to Mrs. Owners, where Mr. Waterson (13) and others boarded. Mr. Grundy this evening showed me the House from which all Whig documents are circulated. Sunday April 26, 1840. Remained in my room till evening, and then took a walk with Mr. Turney to the Capitol and public grounds. The grounds, about 20 acres, in a beautiful state of improvement. Read newspapers, and Lockhart's Life of Sir Walter Scott. Saw H. C. Williams and Robert Williams. Monday, April. 27th, 1840. Went in the morning with my colleagues Thomas and Clarke, and Messrs. Grundy and Waterson to pay our respects to the President at 10 o'clock. Found Gov. Isaac Hill (14) there. The President received us with great courtesy. Before we left, he called Mr. Grundy aside for a moment. Mr. Van Buren looked "fat, thrifty and well" as the song says that is, he had increased greatly in corpulency since I had seen him in 1835. Went to the Senate with Mr. A. V. Brown," after I had been introduced into the privileged part of the House by Mr. Waterson. In Senate Gen. Anderson introduced me to various Senators as did Gov. Clay. Found Mr. Calhoun quite talkative, very cheerful, and Col. Benton vastly dignified. Both however extremely polite as was Mr. Robert Walker of Mi. and Col. King of Alabama, and Mr. Cuthbert of Georgia. The House of representatives were engaged on the Appropriation Bill; and the Whigs, Proffit, Stanley, Waddy Thompson, Rice Garland, etc. were annoying, embarrassing and hindering the progress of the bill in committee of the whole. On this day, Mr. Jones, chairman of Com. of Ways and Means, having urged the passage of the bill, the democrats determined to sit it out, and sat from 12 o'clock to 5 o'clock P. M. next day, hindering Whig debate as much as possible, by calls to order and making no speeches. I remained in the House all night, sitting up with Blackwell, Hubbard, Brown, and other friends till 1 o'clock in the morning and then sleeping on a sopha (sic) for an hour, and then getting up and attending to proceedings till breakfast time. I never saw such shameful scenes of disorder in any deliberative body not in any public meeting of citizens. The Bill had been then debated by the Whigs or not the bill but matters and things in general for more than two weeks to the total neglect of all other business. The table of the House was loaded with Senates bills not acted on, and the Senate was in a situation to finish the business of the session in two or three weeks; while the House at its present rate of progress could not get through by August. The expense of a session of Congress is about [ ] (16) per day; and all this the Whigs were incurring to embarrass the government, and make capital for Gen. Harrison. In Committee of the whole the previous question cannot be called so that by spinning out debate, absenting themselves, so as to prevent a quorum, offering and debating frivolous amendments, the time and money of the people is most shamefully wasted. On this day, I heard Hubbard of N. H. and Preston of S. C. and Southard on the other Tappan of Ohio, helping Hubbard debate a Bill for the relief of Fillebrown a removed clerk in the Navy department. Tuesday, April 28, 1840. Not having slept last night, I got some coffee for breakfast, and lounged about the House of Reps, all day. The same scene described in yesterdays journal continued all day till the adjournment late in the evening. Saw Gen. Anderson and Gov. Clay" about the business of the Baltimore Convention. All were now agreed that Gov. Polk could not be nominated that Johnson could not without New York, and that best way, if possible, was to make no nomination. This matter was in treaty between Mr. Grundy and Mr. Wright. Talked with Mr. D. Hubbard and Mr. A. V. Brown on the subject, pressed the matter in every form. Went to bed early, and slept most soundly. Wednesday, April 29. Wrote to Gov. Polk. Called at Hills with Mr. Thomas and saw Gov. Clay, Mr. Hubbard, on the Convention business. Saw Mr. Vanderpoel, and Judge Wick of Indiana, on the subject. They both were in favor of no nomination, as was a Mr. Davis of the latter state to whom I was introduced. Learned that Bean, a Delegate from Alabama to Convention was in the City, and under the control of Mr. King; and that Hubbard and Gov. Clay had pressed him hard to consent to no nomination. Heard that Mr. Calhoun had pressed the same matter upon Gen. Howard of Indiana, from Hubbard who had been present. Had a conversation with Mr. Jamison of Missouri on the subject on our way to the capitol. He agreed with me that it was best to make no nomination; leaving states and people free, as this course would ensure us the Vice President at all events if Mr. Van Buren should be re-elected; and that whichever of the democratic candidates was highest on the list, would be elected by the Senate and this would strengthen our party in the contest for the Presidency and leave Tennessee and Alabama unencumbered with Col Johnson's name. In the evening understood at supper that Gov. Carroll (18) had arrived. Saw Thomas, Smith and Clarke as they and Waterson returned from calling on him at Gadsby's. Gen. DeGraffenreid of Mississippi, a delegate to the Convention, and Mr. Rogers and Mr. Dorch of our Delegation were also in town, and came with Gen. Carroll. Thursday, April. 30, 1840. After breakfast, went with Mr. Grundy and Mr. Turney to see Gen. Carroll. Found him well, and going to the President's. Came to my room, and went with Col. Boyd and Mr. Turney to the Patent office. Met Dr. Charles Douglas, now a clerk in that office. Found that he is an old acquaintance of Col. J. G. Harris, Editor of the Nashville Union, and determined to get a statement from him as to Harris' anti-abolition course, he being clear that Harris never was an abolitionist. Examined various new caricatures at a shop on the avenue, and a log cabin, of the size of a Martin-box, set upon a block, fronting a shop door on the Avenue By the Avenue, I always mean Pennsylvania Avenue, as Owner's where I board is on it and as it is the highway from Capitol to the President's House. Friday, May 1, 1840. Went early in the morning to Gadsby's and saw Gov. Carroll. Found him, Mr. Dortch and Mr. Rogers. Accounts from Tennessee tolerably favorable. In the course of the day talked with Mr. Jamison of Missouri, who seemed favorably disposed to making no nomination. There was a May ball in the evening, but did not go to it. Mrs. Young and Mrs. Linn spoke in high terms of the amusements. The Russian Minister was at it, but his young American wife, just married, was not there. (19) Wrote home and heard various debates in House on the appropriation Bill. J. W. Jones Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means is an able and accomplished man. Heard Rice Garland of La. Proffitt of Indiana, Waddy Thompson of S. C. Gen. McKay of N. C. Stanley, of N. C. Graves of Ky. Gushing of Mass. Briggs of same, and A. Smith of Maine. The most worthless and profligate opposition, I am sure, and the least regardless of decency, is the set of noisy drivellers, [sic] who are now annoying the House, and trying to delay the passage of the appropriation Bill. The Senate is nearly through the business of the Session, and can get through in some three weeks, if the House would only hasten the business, and especially the money bills which must originate in that branch of Congress. Saturday, May 2, 1840. Some of our friends talked of setting off to Baltimore to be ready for the convention and to be in time to get lodgings, and see the parade of the Whig convention on Monday the 4th. I concluded not to go however before Monday, and then go by the 9 o'clock carz [sic], On this evening after a great deal of debate, the general appropriation bill, including civil list, diplomatic, naval and military estimates, passed the House. I understood after it passed, that Mr. Wright would insist on taking it up and passing it in Senate on Monday. This was contrary to my previous understanding that he would go to Baltimore, or neighborhood on Monday to confer with New York delegation in relation to the nomination) of a candidate for the Vice Presidency, to which he was opposed, being the confidential friend and adviser of the President. Sunday, May 3, 1840. Went with Waterson, Clark, Thomas, and Smith to Alexandria in the steamer [ ] (20) and dined there at a chop house. Came back in the evening. Mr. Grundy went early this morning to Baltimore, having engaged quarters at Barnum's, and having to hold private conferences with Gen. Dix of the New York delegation and others. Nothing new to-day. Saw Gen. Anderson and Gov. Clay in the evening. Anderson thought no nomination would be made. Monday, May 4, 1840. Paid off my bill, and packed up early to leave for Baltimore by the 9 o clock cars. Went to Globe office with Mr. Turney, to get documents, and met Mr. Bynum, who was complaining of the shameless course of the opposition. Got in the Railcars and went up to Baltimore. Met Mr. Crozier of our delegation at Depot, and was informed that lodgings had been prepared for us at Mrs. Davis', near Barnums, where the New York and Alabama delegations were quartered. Went there, and found ourselves crowded exceedingly, and expecting to sleep on mattresses. Found Gov. Clay, Mr. Sydney Moore, (son of Dr. Alfred Moore) and Maj. Jesse Bean, and Mr. Hubbard the Alabama Delegation. Clay and Hubbard were opposed to a nomination. Moore who representing [aic] the feelings of his uncle, Dr. David Moore, the enemy of Gov. Clay, was for a nomination, as was Bean who was Senator Kings immediate friend. It was evident that Buchanan of Pa. and King of Al. were disposed to have Johnson nominated, right or wrong, and Moore from his dislike of Gov. Clay, and Bean from his subserviency to Col. King, were disposed to aid in the cause. Mr. Buchanan from hostility to Gov. Folk's future prospects had allied himself to King, and by contrivance, their friends were trying first to effect a compromise with the friends of Johnson and Polk and thereby get King nominated upon the half-way-house principle; but if they could not get this done, they united and were to unite with Johnson's friends and press for a nomination. On this day, on the pavement near Barnums, Mr. Moore of the Alabama delegation made a proposition, problematical in its form, to adopt this course of compromise upon King. I assured him that I did not believe it could be done, and mentioned states that would not agree to it. I[t] seemed to me, that this policy, which was understood to be the course dictated by Mr. Buchanan, and of forcing a nomination on its failure, which must have resulted in the choice (by the states present) in the nomination of Johnson by a lean plurality vote of the party, was most unwise in Mr. Buchanan. By taking up Johnson, and [sic] the Pennsylvania Convention had done at his imputed instance, and forcing him upon the West and Southwest, where he would be a deadweight to our party, would be a perfect throwing away of all possible prospective claims of Mr. Buchanan to the Presidency. The course would displease his friends in that quarter, the only portion of the West where he could hope for aid against the rival claims of Col. Benton. By pressing Johnson, Mr. Buchanan might make personal friends in the North West, but all the States in that direction are and will be devoted to Col. Benton for the future Presidency, so that, while Col. Benton lives, Mr. Buchanan can never supplant him in the N. W. During the afternoon, I went with Mr. Carroll (21) one of the Maryland delegation in Congress, representing the City and County of Baltimore, and Mr. Waterson, and took a stand where we could see the whole procession of the Whigs with their Banners, and log cabins drawn on wagons, as they passed through Monument Square. The parade was ridiculous in the extreme. Caleb Norvell and Mr. Humes of Knox, and three or four other persons whom I did not know, with a bag in mourning inscribed to H. L. White, represented Tennessee in a little platoon in the procession. On one of the Maryland flags was inscribed "Tip, Tyler and Tariff," the strangest set of inconsistent allusions, that ever met or was devised by folly. The Baltimore Patriot of the next morning in a detailed account of the proceedings, being the boldest of the federal papers, published this motto truly, but Duff Green's paper, The Pilot, published in the city at the same time, and the Baltimore American suppressed it, although they professed to give all the mottos and devices of the nags truly and at length. The number of little cabins, built of poles, not by those who had them hauled through the streets, and marched in the array, for they were young and old aristocrats lean, long waisted dandies, loafers of all sorts of ages, and real silk-glove gentry who knew no more how to build one of these cabins, tho not bigger than pig pens, than they did how to square a circle, or interpret Ezekiel's prophesies; but they were built and constructed, and hauled about by laboring men whom they* despise at heart, and who despise them, but now worked for hire for these rich gentry. A noisy fellow, a Whig named Laughlin, who was a Marshall in the procession, had attempted to drive some man out of his path, who was looking upon the parade with the disgust which was common to all sober minded men, and for his insolence had been struck with a cane or some similar weapon across the back of the head and was killed. The Whig delegation from Massachusetts, it was said, instantly made up a thousand dollars for his widow. I saw Mr. Carroll meet great numbers of his constituents on the side walks and they said to him to a man, that the whole folly of the parade was strengthening the democratic cause hourly. All the business people of Baltimore, except some rabid bank merchants and clerks, and others of the same sort, were quietly pursuing their everyday business. The following outline of doings of the Convention is copied from my files of papers. Among my pamphlets is the proceedings in pamphlet form. Among my newspaper files, are files of the Whig and democratic papers of Baltimore (Daily) during both Conventions and containing their proceedings at length. (22) [II] Journal and Memorandums and Reminiscences, made during the 1st Session of the 25th General Assembly of Tennessee, which met at Nashville on Monday, Oct. 2nd, 1843. At the General Election of this year I had been elected to the State Senate from the 10th District, composed of the Counties of Warren, Cannon, Coffee and DeKalb. Wednesday, Sept. 27, 1843. On this day I left my residence at Hickory Hill, Warren County, on horseback, accompanied by Master David Batey, and servant Anthony, the latter riding in a carryall, carrying my trunks, for Nashville, to attend the session of the General Assembly which was to meet on the 2nd day of October. Came to Mr. Batey's on Cripple Creek, Rutherford, and stayed all night. Came through McMinnville, and fell in with Mr. Joshua Harrison going to Nashville and travelled with him. Left Miss Batey at my daughter Smartt's. The horses I and David rode were Mr. Batey's. Left my mother at home very ill, she having been confined from the Friday previous to my leaving. . . . She was in (I believe) her 70th year, and had not walked or stood alone, being crippled by rheumatism, for nearly twelve years. In fact she had been able to move but little on her feet since she came to live with me on Stone's river, wher I had her and my father removed from Washington County, Va., in October, 1829. I left my father and daughter Mary with her, and Dr. Smartt under promise to attend her daily. I left my boys John James and Andrew Jackson going to school to John L. Byars, my son Sam Houston having gone to live with Mr. Kizer, the husband of my daughter Ellen, some time about the 1st of August last. Mary and Dr. Smartt, both promised to keep me constantly advised by letter of the condition of my mother. I left home with great reluctance, compelled alone by a sense of public duty, and being advised and urged to do so by my friends, on account of the great interest they felt, in common with all my constituents, in the question of locating the seat of the state government, (23) which by the constitution of the state, was required to be done permanently in the first week of the approaching Session. It was to be done by the Assembly. I came from home and travelled in a state of low spirits and melancholy, being deeply anxious about my mother, and my domestic matters, confided at home, of necessity, too much to servants. Thursday, Sept. 28th. Left Mr. Batey's after early breakfast, and rode with Anthony and Mr. Harrison, alternately, in Carryall, the horse I rode day before being Mr. Batey's. Came through Murfreesboro without stopping, except in the street while I sent Anthony for plug of tobacco. Saw Col. E. A. Keeble a moment in the street who informed me, that he was not coming down to Nashville having nothing to hope for the democracy that Sneed the Senator, and Burrus, and Richardson the members of the House from the County had gone to Nashville. I found persons at the first turnpike gate in Rutherford, all agog about seat of Government. Got some dinner at Treppard's on the roade, [sic] and arrived at Nashville, at Mr. Kizer's Market Street, a little after dark. Found Mr. K. absent at Baltimore, but Ellen and son Houston, well. Slept well and soon (a thing unusual) after going to bed, having read myself to sleep in the "New York Albion." Friday, Sept. 29, 1843. Got up refreshed, and as soon as I went out, was beset by host of candidates for all the little offices of Clerks and Doorkeepers in the gift of the Assembly. There are only about 8 offices, and there are already nearly a hundred candidates on the ground. Saw Jas Armstrong who is a candidate for Assistant Clerk in Senate, and Joe Argo who is candidate for doorkeeper, and Thos. H. Hopkins who [is] candidate for Atto. Genl. or anything, all from McMinnville, my county town, and Maj. Grant, and Mr. Sherrel who are candidates for Doorkeeper from Coffee. Told them all as well as Hodenpyl, and Thomas from Bledsoe, that I thought chances bad. The two last wish to be Doorkeeprs to Senate. Find it bad policy to be encumbered with candidates from your own district. It has a tendency to place you in position to incur obligations on yourself to others for support, when the true policy of a member who has a favorite local object to carry, is to be in a position to get other members under obligations to him. Saw Maj. J. A. Lane who is a candidate for re-election as Pr. (24) Clerk to the Senate, and Mr. E. Rawlings who is a candidate for Asst. C. Senate, and advised them to visit Whig Senators together. Saw Sevier, and other Whig Senators, and real Albion, and made notes in my Index Rerum, from 2 Vol. of Life of Sir Jas. Mackintosh, from marks I had made in margin of that book, which I had left at Brandon's when going home from Mr. Batey's, in company with Martha and David, about ten days ago. Wrote part of a letter to my father in the evening, preparatory [to] sending Anthony home on tomorrow morning. Heard that Marshall Bertrand had gone up to-day to the Herittage, [sic] (25) the Marshall having arrived the night before from St. Louis. This is the favorite old General of Napoleon who closed his eyes. Intend, if I can, to see him when he returns to town. Went to bed early and read in bed in the 28th No. of the American Qr. Review. Saturday, Sept. 30, 1843. Got up well, and attended by Anthony, went to market to buy bacon, but could fine none but hams at 61/4 cents per Ib. Did not buy. It rained nearly all day. Got Carryall mended, but as it rained so much, and the roads would be so bad, put off Anthony's starting home til Monday morning, when I expected to procure bacon. Saw Maj. Trott of Cannon. In good spirits about getting seat of Govt. removed from Nashville. Saw Ledbetter of Rutherford, member of Senate last year, who apologized and explained the cause of his writing to Ramsey my competitor in the last election. Said R. wrote to him twice before he would write that when he did write, it was a private letter, not intended to be read in public, and only referred Mr. Ramsey to the journals where I had voted in 1830-40, [sic] and 1841-2 on the Seat of Government, Senatorial Election, and other party questions, and assured me that he never could have written what was untrue, that in 1840 I changed my vote on the Seat of Government Question, when Colo. Yoakum was the Senator from Rutherford. I told him and Dr. Richardson and Mr. Burrus, the representatives from Rutherford in the Senate Chamber, that if the Democrats had elected a majority to the present Assembly in both Houses, that we would have hoisted up and removed the seat of Government from Nashville, as certainly as easily, as Archimides hoisted up the Roman ships at the siege of Syracuse. That now if the removers hoped to do anything they must bring Whig help. Called at Gen. Armstrong's in the evening. Found him out at Judge Catron's visiting Count Bertrand and Gen. E. P. Gaines.(26) Saw Dr. Young in course of the day; and afterwards, as I had done before, before I came here, and ever since, contradicted the charge that he had voted the Whig ticket at the late election. The Dr. is a candidate for re-election as Secretary of State. In the course of the day I received a letter dated the 22nd of Sept. 1843, from my good friend and cousin Thomas Laughlin, of Philadelphia, Monroe Co. Tenn. informing me that he is well, had received a letter from me at Pikeville, and that his old father and mother were in good health, in Whitley Co. Ky in May last. Informs me that his eldest daughter is a widow, Jos. Gilles a Senator etc. and recommends Matthew Nelson as a candidate for State Treasurer. I shall vote for Miller Francis the incumbent. Wrote more in my letter to father bought Cooper's Hutted Hill, and read in Miss Frederica Bremer's "Neighbors" till I went to sleep. . . . Dudley Woodward sleeps with me Houston in adjoining room Harry on the floor. Sunday, Oct. 1, 1843.. . . Visited Gardner and Powell. Saw Judge Miller, Nicholson,(27) Trott, and Gen. Smartt, and Morford. Miller, G. W. Jones (now here) and others, thought it advisable to try to make a ticket for Senators in Congress, of A. R. Alexander of the West, and Joe Williams of the East, as the best way to beat Foster, (28) and that making Alexander Speaker, would be a good step towards it. Trott doubted whether it would not be wrong to make him Speaker he told me, that Ready had informed him in secret, that the Rutherford Delegation would give up Foster to get votes for the removal of the seat of Government. Powell, at his room, told me that he thought Williams and Alexander the men to beat the Nashville Regency (29) with, as they were Whigs, and could each bring three Whigs with him. I saw Gen. Smartt on the square and told him that we, who wished to affect [sic] a removal of the Seat of Government were embarrassed by having candidates dependant [sic] on us for support that it weakened us that Democracy were in minority, and could elect no one that to incur obligations in trying to get our candidates on, we were doing harm to our cause that months hence was soon enough for Mr. Hopkins to become candidate for Att. Genl. and that I would do anything I could for him or Armstrong, but that they were a drawback on us now. He said he would talk to Mr. Rowan about it when he should arrive, and that he agreed with me in opinion. I told him of plan to run Alexander and Williams for Senators, and he approved of it and said he would talk to Alexander about Seat of Government; but I told him not to mention subject of Senators that Judge Austin Miller on our part, and Trice a Whig from McNairy Co. were the only persons who would approach Alexander on that subject. That the matter was a profound secret. Went home and read Miss Frederica Bremer's Neighbors, and wrote up this Journal. In the afternoon, felt so low spirited and unwell, and so much want of nervous excitement, I made Laura, Ellen's girl, make me a strong cup of coffee. It did me good. I dined with Mr. Rawlings and Cousin Jane, and a Mr. Davis of Mississippy, who had spent the summer at the Harrodsburg Springs, Kentucky. In the afternoon rode out in carriage with Houston and Dudley Woodward on Franklin Turnpike beyond Westwood, the residence of the late Robert Woods the banker. Returned by my old residence in South Field, where I had lived from March 1832 to July or June, 1837, and which I sold to Park and Erskine and by Sulphur Springs home. Took up Maj. Loving at the Port Hill going to Spring, and all took hearty drink of the water. . . . The country about Westwood and Waverly greatly improved since I saw it last, seven years ago. Saw in the suburbs of the town, Negroes and white persons, men and boys, engaged in all kinds of idle sports, playing marbles, etc. and beyond Sulphur Springs in a lot, near Mr. Kizer's place called Economy, saw a set of men and boys in a lot, engaged in a regular boxing match, with a ring formed. Such things do not take place in our country villages McMinnville would be disgraced by such scenes. Saw a great many people riding out in carriages. Nashville is an extravagant place. We passed by McEwen's splendid establishment in the South Field. He is the man, who, as Superintendent of Public Instruction robbed the Common School Fund of upwards of $100,000, and was detected, and not re-elected, in 1839-40. He, is now contending at law in the Supreme Court against the recovery of the money abstracted from him and securities, O. B. Hayes being one of them. (30) In our ride I pointed out to Mr. Woodward and Houston where the recruits and troops were stationed in cantonment during the last war, where I spent several social evenings with Maj. Peacock in 1814. It is beyond and near Westwood in a Hill on the east side of the road, near a Spring three miles from the Public Square in town. Those were boyish and happy days I was then 18 or twenty rather in constitution having been born Washington County, Virginia, May 1, 1796. How time passes. My visits to Nashville in 1813-14, and an attack of fever I had in the latter year, in which I was attended by the late Dr. Newnan, seem as of yesterday! How short is the journey of life from infancy to old age! While in our teens, life seems, like time, to pass too slow. Although the journey, when we have passed the meridian seems to have been short, yet how many evils, disappointments, and changes we have to pass through, and how various the roads by which different individuals pass it. No two travel precisely the same path. Saw Gov. Carroll after supper and a number of friends visited him. Not enough in number, however, to go into a caucus consultation. Learned from Maj. Trott that Col. A. R. Alexander of Shelby was unwilling to be taken up and voted for by the Democrats of the House as Speaker. It was understood to-day, that the Whigs in Caucus last night, had selected Baringer of Bedford as their candidate for Speaker of the House. The parties in the Assembly stand in the House, 40 Whigs, 35 democrats; in Senate, 14 Whigs, 11 democrats. One of each party it is expected will be absent at meeting tomorrow. Marr of Obion, dem. and Carson of Jefferson, Whig. Went to bed, and read myself to sleep in Miss Frederica Bremer's Neighbors, translated by Mary Howitt, the Quakeress. Monday, Oct. 2, 1843. At an early hour, about 9 o'clock A. M. the Senators began to assemble in the Senate Chamber, and at about 10 o'clock. were called to order Gen. Cocke in the chair. All the members were in attendance as follows: N. H. Allen of Montgomery, Whig; Josiah M. Anderson of Marion, Whig; H. Bradbury of Henderson, Whig; J. Cocke of Grainger, Whig; P. Critz of Hawkins, Democrat; W. Cullom of Smith, Whig; W. J. Davis of Marshall, Democrat; J. F. Farrington of Shelby, Whig; J. A. Gardner of Weakley, Democrat; B. Gordon of Hickman, Democrat; J. W. Harris of Tipton, Whig; J. F. Henry of Blount, ; T. R. Jennings of Davidson, Whig; S. H. Laughlin of Warren, Democrat; W. L. Martin of Wilson, Whig; J. R. Nelson of Knox, Whig; A. O. P. Nicholson of Maury, Democrat; R. W. Powell of Carter, Democrat; J. Ross of Anderson, Whig; W. T. Ross of Lincoln, Democrat; V. Sevier of Carroll, Whig; W. H. Sneed of Rutherford, Whig; G. W. Torbitt of Monroe, Democrat; S. Turney of White, Democrat; and Jac. Voorhies of Dickson, Democrat. Mr. Anderson of Marion was elected Speaker, being nominated by Mr. Nelson. Mr. Ross of L. put Mr. Nicholson in nomination, and he was voted for by the Democrats. Mr. John Cocke, Jr., grandson of Gen. J. Cocke the Senator, was elected principal clerk over Jacob A. Lane of White, and D. Wendel of Rutherford. Kirkpatrick, nephew of Senator Ross of A. was elected Assistant elk over a crowd of others. In the end the Democrats nearly all voted for him, expecting, according to an arrangement made by Mr. Critz, to thereby obtain Senator Ross' vote for Mr. Miller Francis for Treasurer. John Sevier of Tipton was elected Doorkeeper over Hays Arnold of White and many others. He is a brother of Senator Sevier of C. I introduced resolutions to locate the Seat of Government at the centre of the State, or nearest suitable site thereto, having due regard to health and public convenience, and to appoint three commissioners by the General Assembly, one to reside in each grand division of the state, whose duty it should be to "designate and fix" the site of the seat of Government, according to the second section of the schedule of the constitution of 1834-5. Mr. Nelson introduced a bill in blank, of a few lines, designating and fixing the seat of government at blank town, in blank County. By the rules of the last Assembly, which we had adopted until others were formed, this bill passed its first reading without objection. In the evening saw Maj. Trott, and agreed to see Messrs. Glenn and W. H. Polk of the House, which I did, for the purpose of getting them to vote for Mr. Wade of DeKalb for Assistant Clerk in the House. Saw them and they agreed to do. This was in the night. Then went and saw Ex Governor Polk who had just arrived at the Nashville Inn. Saw him, Col. Alvan Cullom, Mr. Eastman, editor of the Knoxville Argus, Mr. Gardner etc. together at W. H. Folk's room. Talked over our defeat in the late election. Eastman agreed with me that the bank question (31) was the great cause. Gov. Polk thought it was this, and the divisions among our friends in local elections that beat us, aided by fraudulent voting. Saw a letter during the day from Hon. Cave Johnson to Mr. Nicholson, in which he urged the necessity of passing a law to prevent frauds in elections in future. Went home late, and wrote to my father and daughter Mary by Anthony who was to leave in the morning for McM . . . Tuesday, Oct. 3, 1843. . . . Started Anthony home with bacon and sugar things for Mrs. Batey wrote to Dr. Smartt and Mary, or sent letter to her, written last night and to father. Senate met at 9 o'clock. Mr. Nelson called up his bill in blank for fixing the seat of Government, and it was passed in blank, as to place, a second time, Sub silentio. The House elected its officers in the course of the day, and after the customary messages had passed between the Houses, a joint committee waited on the Governor, of whom W. Cullom was one on part of Senate, and directly afterwards the Message came in, and such a message. It is highly violent and partisan in its character, abounding in falsehoods. We had a meeting of Democratic members at Gen. Carrolls in the evening Mr. Boddie of Sumner presided. Messrs. Nicholson, Trott, Milligan, Anderson, Glenn and Fisher were appointed a committee with authority to call future meetings, and to see whether propositions would not be made to take up candidates of the Whig party in East and West Tennessee to be made by Whigs perhaps by friends of Col. A. R. Alexander and Joseph L. Williams, to be run against Foster and Jarnagin, or the regular Whig nominees. They were to ascertain and see if such an anti Foster and Jarnagin ticket could be formed, bringing which votes enough [sic] to enable it to carry with aid of all the democratic votes. Mr. Huddleston of Overton, and Mr. Bobo of Coffee expressed doubts, whether they could vote for Whigs, even as a choice between evils. Mr. Nicholson said he had always thought until lately that he could vote for Whigs in no event; but to effect defeat Foster he would vote for a Whig less objectionable. Mr. Gordon said same so did Mr. Fisher, Mr. Glenn and others. I was decidedly in favor of doing so. Mr. Turney would go with majority, but he thought it best, to let the Whigs take their own course elect their men, and then instruct them out. No vote, as to what we would do, took place. Houston went to theatre. I came home late from the meeting and, as usual, read myself to sleep, at 11 o'clock in the Neighbours. It was thought best not to stir seat of Government question in the meeting, as there were Democrats present, in favor of Nashville. This was agreed by myself, Trott, Nicholson, and W. H. Polk out at door, before meeting was called to order. Wednesday, Oct. 4, 1843. . . . In the course of the day, after voting on inserting the name of a town for the seat of bill, and mendment [sic] offered by Mr. Harris of Tipton, finally passed the bill with the name of Kingston, (32) in the County of Roane, inserted on motion of Mr. Torbitt and sent it to the House, where it passed one reading. In the evening saw Gov. Polk, who is in favor of removal from Nashville, and sent Mr. Powell to see him, so that Polk might talk at him on the subject. Met Maj. M. G. Reeves at Gov. Polk's room. Sent him to obtain a pledge from the Whig Delegation of Rutherford, that they would vote for a Senator in each of the East and West Divisions, against Foster and Jarnagin, if seat of Government was removed, which pledge I suppose he will obtain. Saw Dr. Richardson and Maj. Trott, who agreed that amendment, proposing the Center of the State in lieu of Kingston, to Senates bill in House, was the proper move. W. H. Waterson, Gen. Smartt, and Trott agreed that the amendment must be moved by Mr. Baringer of Bedford the Speaker. I had thought of Richardson, but agreed that the above would be best. Agreed with Mr. Sneed to prepare the amendment, and have it ready. Found Mr. Powell talking with Gen. Wilson, Speaker of the Senate of North Carolina, at Nash. Inn. on subject of the Presidency and Vice Presidency. Don't know result. Went home and wrote part of a letter to Editor of Central Gazette at McMinnville, giving an account of progress of events here, and of seat of Government Question. Went to bed and read Miss Bremer's Neighbours account of Bruno being known by, and acknowledged by his brother Lars Andres. Either Miss Bremer, or Mrs. Howitt, or both, have the full unsophisticated feelings and hearts of nature. Hence the ability to portray characters of Mrs. Fraziska Werner, Lars, and Serena, There is great power displayed in writing of music its effects what it really is, and drawing character of Bruno. . . . Thursday Oct. 5, 1843. Rose early, but unrefreshed. Took walk to sulphur spring, with Maj. Loving and Maj. Bobo of Coffee. Met Mr. Garner of Franklin and Mr. Fisher of Fayette at the spring. Drank freely of water, determined by drinking, early rising and exercising to be prepared for sleep tonight if I can get to bed early. In the House, the Seat of Government Bill passed a second reading, without opposition with Kingston in it as the site. The friends of removal from Nashville deemed this the most prudent course, and best way to hasten final, action. Attempted to have an evening meeting of Democratic members, at Post office; but room being out of order, and Gen. Armstrong having been ill (as I have been sometimes) and just getting well the meeting was adjourned to Mr. Ross' room at Crockett's. The meeting was pretty full; but we could not all agree to vote for Whigs for U. S. Senate in East and West to defeat Foster and Jarnagin. Davis of Marshall, Body of Sumner, and some other member expressed a determination to vote for no Whig for any possible purpose for Senator. I think Mr. Turner of Sumner was the other man. On motion of Powell of Carter, and on my suggestion of the proper men, Miller of Hardenman, and Glenn of Tipton were appointed a committee to ascertain how many Whig votes a candidate for Senator of that party, in opposition to Foster, could get in W. District. Dr. Kenny of Washington thought J. L. Williams, Recce, Gen. Cocke, or McDermot of East Tennessee, all Whigs, could bring some Whig votes in opposition to Jarnagin. Maj. Trott tried, on a motion, to ascertain how many Democrats would vote for Central location of Seat of Government in order to obtain Whig votes in Middle Tennessee to defeat Foster and Jarnagin, but nothing definite was elicited. (33) In the course of the meeting, Mr. G. W. Jones of Lincoln, and Col. H. Yoakum of Rutherford, on being called out, addressed the meeting. Both were for uniting on any other Whigs who could bring votes to defeat Foster and Jarnagin. Mr. Jones stated that he was a member of the Tennessee Senate in 1839-40 when Senators were to be elected, and that a Whig had proposed to him, that if a democrat, other than the late Felix Grundy would then suffer himself to be brought forward by a minority of his party, that the whole 44 Whig votes which were in both Houses of that Assembly would be cast for such democrat against Mr. Grundy for U. S. Senator, after first voting, on first ballot for a candidate of their own party. I came home late, found Mr. Woodward and Houston in bed, and went to bed immediately having walked home with Messrs. Voorhies and Wiley. The former expressed a hope that Whig Senators might yet be defeated. Trott and myself doubted, as we were last to part. He had made his motion in meeting at my suggestion, as Nicholson, who was to see Ready, as friend of Rutherford delegation, desired it. Friday morning, Sept. [sic] 6, 1843. Got up early to make arrangements for Houston to leave for Hickory Hill. Wrote to father Ford the editor and requested Ford to publish and preserve the letter Sent documents to Dr. Gowen, C. P. Alexander and othersand to J. L. Byars, Jas. Webb, Harold Byars and others McMinnville. He started after breakfast against my wish as it had been raining and was cloudy. Went to Senate, but nothing done of interest. Nelson consulted me on repealing, or modifying Bowie knife prohibition law. As I went to Senate, I mentioned to Gen. Smartt, that I regretted that we had held meeting that it was against what I had always advised, as far as seat of Government question was concerned. Wrote letter to Win. Cummins Esq of Cannon to send by Squire Bates, and informed him of the state of the seat of G. question; and enclosed him a Governor's message for Robert Bailey endorsing on it that it was poor, and lied and misrepresented. Saw Chancellor Bramblett at Mr. Kizer's store when Senate adjourned and I came to dinner said he could not electioneer for re-election was indisposed to do it, had to hold his Courts till 1st Dec. and that electioneering did no accord with his taste. Col. T. H. Cahal is his competitor a poor shoate my mind is made up to vote for Bramblett. In the House, after all manner of shuffling, scuffling, and voting for local places and centre of the State proposed by speaker Baringer and reconsidering, the blank was at last filled with Nashville. While the centre was in and pending a motion to reconsider, the House adjourned to meet at 7 P. M. and have a night session. We met accordingly, when Messrs. Sherrell of Bledsoe, Rodgers of White, etc., and other Whigs deserted and went over to Nashville. The bill was finally passed for Nashville. The above deserters and Coggin of DeKalb voting for Nashville. For this day and nights work, see the Journal. Mr. Kizer came home after I had left the House and given up hope. I found Mr. Woodward abed and asleep. Missed Houston, and on making Harry light a candle when Mr. K. came home, I read account of reconciliation between ma chere mere and Bruno at Ramum in the Neighbours of Miss Bremer which I have not yet got through. Wished myself at home with my old father, mother and boys felt the most melancholy anxiety about my mother felt that I was like one with little of future hope in this world, if I should have soon to add her loss to my other bereavements. Committed all to hands of God, and got, by an effort, to sleep. Saturday, Oct. 7, 1843. After trying sleep, rose early and anxious about the pending question of Seat of Government. Was uneasy on the question of concurrence with the House. Knew they had passed the bill in favor locating at Nashville. Went to Senate before the hour of meeting. As soon as the morning business was through, and before any message could come from the House, moved in full Senate, as a test question, to take up my resolutions offered on the first day of the Session for locating at the geographical centre of the State, or nearest suitable site. By a test vote, my motion was lost by a vote of 13 to 12. Mr. Sneed then introduced a resolution for fixing it by vote of the people, putting places in nomination, and on second election taking the two places having .highest number of votes, etc. Voted for suspending rule so as to allow it to be considered then, without lying one day on the table as the rule required. We were voted down. The Houses amendment to our bill, by which that body had fixed upon Nashville was brought, and taken up. Mr. Gardner moved to concur. I made a speech against concurrence, and Mr. Nelson of Knox replied. Mr. Sneed addressed a short speech to mine. Nelson's speech was vulgar and rude, in his usual vein of vulgar wit without facts or arguments. He was clapped twice in the lobby overflowing with Nashville Whigs. I will publish my speech. The question was then had on amendments offered in succession by Mr. Sneed and myself, in favor of central location. These were out of order on a question of concurrence, but the friends of Nashville, with slight objection from Gen. Cocke, and one or two others, the Speaker deciding them in order, took no appeal, and our amendments were voted down. The question of concurrence was then taken, and the friends of removal having lost all hope, the House's amendment was concurred in by the vote stated below. (34) I ought to have noted first, however, that before the vote was taken, Mr. Nicholson moved to strike Nashville and insert Columbia, which was lost, I voting for it. See the Journal as to these votes. The night before the final vote was taken in the House, and while we hoped the centre would carry there, Mr. Nicholson and myself had ascertained and obtained pledges of our political friends, ready to sacrifice all local preference and even themselves, that they would unite with us, so as, with our own votes to concur in Senate with an amendment from the House fixing the centre, or nearest suitable place within ten miles thereof, by a vote of 13 to 12, and so it would have been decided, if it had so come to us on Friday night, or this morning but all our prospects were blighted by desertion of Whigs in the House, by which Nashville was inserted and now our friends here, had, in justice to themselves to take such course as would save themselves, and be, as they supposed, most in conformity with the supposed will of their constituents. The deserters in the House, were, Daniel Coggin of DeKalb, Gen. Rodgers of White, Fentress of VanBuren, Craven Sherill of Bledsoe, Rawlins of Hamilton and Marion Humphreys of Monroe. After the bill was finally passed, Senate adjourned. It rained all day. In evening saw Gen. Smartt and Col. Spurlock about to leave; and Mr. Geo. Glascock, and Mr. W. West, with whom I talked, and both of whom understood the whole matter as I did that it was owing to Whig desertion. Gov. Jones and E. H. Foster had both been busy for several days. I have no doubt of their being the cause of the desertions. Will the Whigs of Warren, Cannon, Coffee, DeKalb and Rutherford stand this! Time will show. I sent some documents in the course of the day. Wrote the day before to Maj. Lamberson, [?] at Liberty, and at night visited my friends Ross of L. Nicholson and Voorhies at Crocketts in Company with Mr. Powell of C. We all agreed that Powell must get Torbett to stand with us, as Nicholson and Voorhies agreed to do, and compel the Whigs to elect U. S. Senators by concurrent vote, or pass a law in conformity with the power conferred by the constitution of the U. S. Art. Sec.(35) Went home and read nearly through the "Neighbors." I think Mr. [sic] Bremer intends to portray character of Lord Byron in her Bruno Mansfield, and in Ma chere mere, the character Lady Byron, Lord Byron's mother. The idea of these must at least have been in Miss Bremer's head. Thought of home, and felt pained at not receiving a letter as this was the day the mail arrived from McMinnville. Hope for the best.. . . Wrote J. H. Roberts of Coffee, and other friends, stating our defeat. Vote in House. For Nashville Bond of Haywood moved to fill blank Alexander, Avery, Bledsoe, Bond, Bone, Brooks, Carson, Cheatham, Cherry, Cleveland, Coggin, Cross of M. Crudup, Davenport, Duggan, Edwards, Eubank, Goodall, Goode, Hamilton, Hodsden, Houston, Humphreys, Jordon, Lenoir, Moore, Moorman, Morris, Morrow, Nave, Rawlings, Rach, Sherrel, Trice, Trimble, Turner, Tyler, Walker of W. Wheeler, Williams and Wyly Against Nashville Anderson, Black, Bobo, Burrus, Cross of S. Crouch, Bearing, Farquharson, Fisher, Garner, Glenn, Gordon, Hord, Huddleston, Hughes, Kenney, Lauderdale, McGinnis, Maury, Miller, of H. Miller of M. Milligan, Polk Richardson, Rodgers, Smartt, Trott, Turney, Walker of H. Wann and Speaker Barringer. Rodgers voted against considering I believe. See Journal. Sunday, Oct. 8, 1843. In the morning felt tolerably refreshed, and after breakfast wrote up yesterdays journal. Went to House and Senate Chamber, and found no letter from home. Wished I could possess the even temper and philosophy of others prayed that I might be able to submit to my lot in quietness and peace, and that with old Quarles, [sic] I might hereafter be enable [d] cheerfully to find a Tongue in trees, books in running brooks, Sermons in stones, and good in everything. . . . Read conclusion of the Neighbours, and after dinner, walked with Mr. Woodward to Col. Park's, on College Hill, and was there introduced to Dr. Dilliard of Sumpter, Alabama, who was in bad health. Came home, and wrote to my father about the work to be done on my House by Mr. Purvis at Hickory Hill. Read some in Coopers Wyandotte, or Hutted Hill. ... Monday, Oct. 9, 1843. Went to Senate Chamber immediately after breakfast. I had seen Wm. Smartt in market in morning. He left home on Friday, and could give me no information as to the health of my mother. Supp [os]ed, he said, that rain prevented Dr. Smartt from writing. In Senate resolution to bring on Senatorial election on 13th inst. was taken up. On motion of Mr. Nicholson, time was changed to 20th instant by party vote, except Cocke and Farringdon voted with the democracy. On passage of the resolution, or on question of adoption, I made some remarks, and asked that its passage should be postponed until the bill prescribing the mode of electing U. S. Senators, introduced by Mr. Gardner could be passed that the Whigs having a majority, might amend and pass it in form acceptable to themselves; but that if they would not I feared we might by possibility have a recurrence of the party strife we had in the Senate in 1841. (36) That other states had passed laws, our parent state N. Carolina for instance and that if a law could be passed, I would hope for a harmonious session, and that we could come up to the great subjects state debt, judiciary etc, free of party feelings. Nelson and Cullom replied Gardner and Ross spoke, then Sneed Powell, Harris, Jennings, etc. I moved the adjournment at noon which carried without the question on the resolution being taken. In the morning Mr. Gardner had introduced a Bill for having only two Circuit Courts a year in Western Division. On its passage without opposition, I gave notice that I had a Bill in preparation, embracing the whole State, containing the same provision, under which I hoped the number of Judges might be reduced greatly to the benefit of the public service, and the saving of money. Before dinner wrote to Van Pelt of the Memphis Appeal, and Col. A. A. Kincannon of Columbus, Mississippi on the subject of Presidency and Vice Presidency urging that Polk should be taken up for the latter by the press and people that he should be nominated by our State Convention in November that the Tennessee delegation should go to N. Convention supporting his claims, and uncommitted as to Presidential candidate, but committed to abide its nomination that no nomination for the Presidency ought to be made in our State Convention.(37) Told them, that if Gov. Polk should be on our ticket next fall, with Van Buren, or any good democrat, we could beat Clay, McLean or Scott; but without Polk's name we would be beaten and tied down in federal chains in Tennessee for the next six or ten years. Wrote to Maj. T. P. Moore, Harodsburg, Ky. the same substance as to Kincannon. . . . During the day, Mr. Topp, brother of R. Topp of Memphis, applied to me in confidence, to know if I would support his brother R. T. for U. S. Senator against Jarnagin told him it was possible. Tuesday, Oct. 10, 1843. . . . Went to Senate Chamber early, and wrote letters to W. H. Conlior, to Gen. Patton at Woodbury introduced Bill to reduce the Number of Circuits and Judges, and providing that the Circuit Court should sit but twice a year, unless special terms should become necessary in particular Courts; and I also introduced Resolution directing the Judiciary Committee to examine and report on the above subjects, but also into the expediency of curtailing salaries, costs and expenses in administration of justice by the Circuit Courts. This was the day of the Great Peyton Stakes race out at the tract. Many members went out. I did not. Wrote to L. N. Ford and son Houston at McMinnville Letter to Ford for publication that that to Houston being one of affection and advice. . . . Wednesday, Oct. 11, 1843. Attended the Senate early. In the course of the day sent sundry documents to friends, and among others, the Banner containing my remarks on the Senatorial question, and the Whig containing my remarks on seat of Govt. Question, both imperfect reports, to my friend Col. Rob. L. Ferrell of West Fork P. O. Overton Co. and the Banner to my father. In the evening the resolution was passed, variously amended, for bringing on elections of U. S. Senators on 17th_by Convention of the two Houses. (See Journal.) I voted against it because the election for longest term from expiration of Gen. Alex. Anderson's term on 4th March, 1841, was to be brought on first and election to fill remainder of Grundy's term, ending 4th March 1845, was to be brought on next. This arrangement would cut the democracy out of all power in exercising a proper choice in choosing between Mr. Bell, Mr. Topp, Mr. Jarnagin and others. While the resolution was pending, a debate sprung up in Senate, brought on by Mr. Voorhies, in "defining his position", in which Messrs. Nelson, Farrington, Harris, and Ross, of L. and I believe Cocke and Cullom participated. Wrote Gov. Yell of Ark. In the evening, Maj. Loving and myself made a visit to Col. Park on College Hill. Park and Loving (the last being an admirable performer) favored Maj. Doxey (a gentleman of Sumner) and the company with music on the violin. Coming home nearly got a wetting by rain in stopping by the way to see Steamer Cumberland go off in the night. . . .. . . Talked with Mr. H. Van Pelt in the course of the day on subject of Presidency and Vice Presidency in prospect, and with Mr. Hickerson of Wilkes, N. C. and urged claims of Gov. Polk for latter. Thursday, Oct. 12, 1843. ... Went back to Senate wrote letter to Gov. Polk, and participated in discussion of Mr. Davis' Bill to restore Ca, So,(38) law repealed at last Session. Messrs. Cullom and Sneed offered amendments. Harris, Sneed and Cullom participated in debate. I declared myself against restoring the writ not being willing that the flesh and blood of freemen should ever be held in pledge for debt or money but pledging myself to go for any measure gentlemen might propose more effectually to reach fraud. I complimented Mr. Powell and Dr. Peyton of Sumner (now a member of Congress elect) both present for their support of law repealing Ca.Sa law at last session. Wrote home to my father, and informed him that I would want Houston to return here with his mare in time for me to ride to Coffee Circuit Court by 4th Monday; also to hurry the work on my home, and that no papering need be done. Wrote to have mother carefully nursed, and for Mary to write me every mail. Dated my letter, written late at night, as of tomorrow morning, and went to Post Office with it, and there conversed with Gen. Armstrong on subject of Senatorial election. I informed him that Whigs intended to fill two unexpired terms, and also a new term from 4th March 1845. In course of day wrote to Gov. Polk at Columbia, as I had done to Gov. Yell of Ark and of contents of my letters. In evening was restless and on going to bed, could not go to sleep early, but read Hutted Knoll until 11 o'clock, Mr. Woodward being asleep. . . . Friday, Oct. 13, 1843. Felt tolerably refreshed in morning, and after a slight breakfast, went to Senate. Little done, except to adjourn to House to finish counting votes for Gov. When it was found that Jones true majority over Polk was 3833. By resolution offered by Mr. Boddie, the unofficial return from Sumner was added which produced the above result. Miller of Hardeman informed me that Whigs had held a caucus last night at Dr. Jennings office result of course not known to democracy. Saw the Journal of yesterday, that my motion to print 500 copies of Penitentiary report, was reducing the usual number, being 1000, moved by Cullom, one half. In the morning got the Albany Argus, and several St. Louis papers from Union Office, but have no heart or time to read newspapers. Wrote letter to Wm. H. Judkins of DeKalb by Mr. Brien, who was to leave in the stage in the night. Commissioned Mr. Woodward to buy me some domestic and linen to make shirts they were to be neatly made at 50 cents a piece. At night . . . Saw some friends at City Hotel, and Mr. Trousdale at Union Hall, kept by Joe Brown, and talked over coal trade of the Up-Cumberland river country with him. Went home and to bed before 9 o'clock, but did not sleep till late hour, lighted candle and read Cooper's Hutted Knoll, which I had in the evening, promised to lend to a young man named [ ] (39) who is reporting Senate's proceedings for Banner and the Whig. . . . Saturday, Oct. 14, 1843. . . . Nicholson reported, as chairman of Com. of Ways and Means, Bill with amendments for abolishing office of Superintendent of Public Instruction providing that all duties of the office should be transferred (not to President of Bank of Tenn.) but to the Comptroller of the Treasury, and that no additional pay should be given to that officer for a discharge of the said new duties, than he now receives by law all of which I voted for. Recd letter from Gov. Polk, and a No. of the Charleston (S. C.) Mercury, of the 30th Sept. 1843 mentioning Gov. P.'s claims for the Vice Presidency speaking in his praise etc. Saw Dr. Kenney of Washington in the evening who informed Judge Miller and myself that he was daily getting information of the Whig movements in Caucus, on the subject of U. S. Senators, from Craven Sherrill of Bledsoe, and was to get a report next Monday. He urged us, however to be secret. In the evening I read conclusion of Hutted Knoll, and then Webster's speech at the late agricultural fair at Rochester, N. York, in which he speaks of protecting agriculture by legislation; and compares and contrasts agriculture or farming and planting interests the first being peculiar to the Middle and Northern States the last to the south. The first he considers of greatest importance to human happiness the greatest number of people. Read also Jos. R. Ingersoll's answer to a call from a portion of his constituents of Philadelphia on the slavery question, and on propriety of amending the constitution of the U. S. so as to give power to Congress to abolish slavery. He is averse to such an amendment. I will insert these two documents in my Scrap Book, No. 2. ... Sunday, Oct. 15, 1843. In the morning felt tolerably well. In the course of the day, read Sunday articles in various newspapers; but read none in books. Walked about town. To Landing with Loving, where we saw Capt. Horn and Mr. Harris the painter. They were examining the Steamer Tallyrand and spoke of what Anthony Johnson, and others had smuggled under bankrupt law. Afterward in my rambles saw old Nancy and Ned each with their husband and wife, occupy little tenements, and although old and crippled, are, doubtless, happier than I am. . . . Monday, Oct. 16, 1843. Rose well, and went to market to buy sacks. Bought some squirrels. Went to Senate early. Mr. Kizer and Dr. Moore of Alabama came up. Sent by Dr. Mo. to his brother Dr. D. Moore Journals of the called Session, 1842, of the Genl. Assembly Acts of same Session, and Comptrollers Report, and Governor's Message to this session. Mr. Nicholson showed me letter to himself from Harvey M. Waterson, dated New York Oct 6th 1843, marked Internos, in which he strongly urges the impolicy of running Mr. Van Buren for President in the next election, though he says he is his preference if he could be elected. Says the Van Buren party intend to give Polk the go by as to a nomination for the Vice Presidency. Says Johnson will be the man that he met Col. Johnson at Washington lately, and he says he is not candidate for the Vice Presidency but for first office -that he has written so to many persons who are at liberty to publish that if the Vice Presidency is pushed on him, that then will be the time to consider and act when contingency happens in convention says he also saw R. B. Rhett, who says that if things go on as they are going, that Calhoun's friends may be driven to secede from the convention, and leave the nomination to others that in that event, Calhoun will not run, nor will his friends vote in election Without naming him, he (Mr. W.) speaks of Cass as being most available. Says that in passing through Georgia, S. Carolina, N. Carolina and Virginia lately, he finds opinion prevalent, that Van Buren is not available though his friends in Georgia, opposed to Calhoun threaten in hundreds not to go to the polls in the pending State election, and thereby let the Clay Whigs beat the Calhoun democracy. (This has actually happened as the newspapers of this morning here, and news by last two southern mails show us here.) Mr. W. says he is just on the point of sailing in a U. S. Ship bound for the Pacific, as a Commercial Agent to Buenos Ayres South America. Went to Silk Company's Exhibition in Federal Court room, when Senate adjourned at 11 o'clock until 3 o'clock P. M. . . . Wrote to Nancy Laughlin, Holmes Co. Mississippi. Maj. Ledbetter requested me to say all well in Rutherford. She is the widow of my brother John, and has two children, Adriana, nearly grown, and John a posthumous son of my brother. I informed her of all my family misfortunes since she went to Mississippi. Ate a very light supper, and after conversing sometime with Col. Adrian Northcutt, who was on his way to Clarksville to sell pork, and with Mr. Kincannon who came with him, I went to bed early. Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1843. Got up soon, and on going down, met Col. Northcut, and went with him to Mr. Sam Turney's room at Thomas', College Street. He wanted to take Turney's deposition to be read in suit at Woodbury. Senate met early. Wrote to Gov. C. C. Clay, of Alabama, about the condition of parties here stating who wishing [sic] to be Senators that Crittenden as Clay's Ambassador had been here that Whigs would probably elect 3 Senators, Foster being one at all events and urged prospects of Goy. Polk for Vice President. I told him we would not, I expected, nominate any candidate for President at our approaching state convention in Nov. next but that we would press Folk's claims. Told him Gov. Yell, as I believed, favored Folk's claims that we would be happy here if he (Gov. Clay) concurred in our ciews. Told him if Col. Johnson should be thrust upon us again, the result would be same as in 1836, when we were Ruckered (40) by Ned Rucker and Frank Blair. In the afternoon, by force of the previous question, in which Davis of Marshall voted with the Whigs, the Senatorial election was brought on, and Foster elected for remainder of Mr. Grundy's time (term) to 4th March, 1845; and Jarnagin for balance of term which commenced at expiration of Gen. Alex. Anderson term (Anderson's being remainder of Judge Whites term) which expired on 4th March, 1841. So Foster goes out 4th March '45, and Jarnagin, 4th March 1847. When Foster was nominated, his election coming on first, I voted as did Mr. Nicholson, for Wm. Carroll, and when Jarnagin was nominated, I, as did Nicholson, voted for John Blair of Jonesboro. The long agony of electing Senators is now over but will the Whigs be content? They have ever shown themselves unwilling to trust the people. Will they not according to Sneed's move the other day, proceed by force of their numbers, disregarding the constitution, and the people's rights in the next election, to elect another Senator, Bell or Foster, for a term of six years to commence on the 4th of March, 1845? Time will show. Wrote to Ford of the Gazette what we have done. Rec'd letter from Dr. Smartt dated the 15th (Sunday) stating that my mother is no better. Opened my letter to C. C. Clay and informed him the Senators were elected in a postscript. Sent of documents to, and letter to Tom J. Williams of Cannon, by a Bostonian named Dascomb, who goes to Cannon Co. in the morning to look after some mountain land, 1400 acres, sold to some Boston mechanics. How the people in the East have been cheated in our pretended Grants for mountain land in Tennessee! Told D. that his employers I doubted not, were cheated. The 1400 acres purported to be part of a Grant for 5000 acres adjoining gland of one Lane, on Beaver fork of Barren fork of Collin's river. Beaver Creek! There is no such creek in my knowledge. The documents sent to Williams, were Comptroller's report, and copies were sent to many of his neighbors. Sat up sometime at night, but engaged in no regular reading! Slept soon. Wednesday,. Oct. 18, 1843. In the morning wrote to Dr. Smartt and Mr. T. P. Argo, by W. H. Argo, requested Mary to relieve Sally in watching by, and in waiting on mother. Expressed my thankfulness to Sally in letter to Dr. Smartt. Requested Houston to come down by Saturday. Sent documents to Ford (Compt. Rep.) to be distributed and some to McBroom and Ben Bates. Wrote to Col. Floyd the state of things here Senatorial election the wish of Whigs to elect another and my position upon Taxation question. A. V. Brown, M.C. from Giles district, called on me when the Senate adjourned at 10 o'clock to attend funeral of Governor Jones child Hugh Lawson White, and I had much conversation about Presidency. He is of opinion, that if V. Buren, or his folks intend to give Polk the go by and deceive him, that we must then in N. convention, as our members of Congress will do at Washington, just let them know, that if they will take Polk for Vice President, we will take Van Buren ; if not, and they go for Col. Johnson, that then we will go for Cass. (41) I agreed that we ought to take this stand and make no nomination for President in our approaching State Convention. He promised to write and keep me constantly advised of the state of things after he gets to Washington. He promised also, that he would get Maj. A. J. Donelson (42) to write to Mr. Silas Wright and others, putting them in possession of our views. Saw Mr. Brown again at the post office, at night, and was informed by Gen. Armstrong, that he and Brown had seen Donelson, who would devote tomorrow to writing letters as above. Wrote in the evening to Gen. Shields and Maj. Morford that Maj. L. D. Mercer had sent a Bill to me and G. R. Smartt the representative from Warren providing for the equal division of the Academy Funds of Carroll Academy at McMinnville with the Edmondson Female Academy at same, and asking their advice, and assuring them that as a citizen I was willing to it, as friend of female education, but wished to do right, and what might be agreeable to all parties concerned. Asked them to confer with Mercer and advise me of what might be agreed upon. I also advised them that bill had been twice read and passed in Senate, but that I would proceed no further in it until I heard from them. Went to bed early, and without medicine, slept tolerably well. Voted for Bill in the evening for allowing poor families on prospective contracts, 5 sheep exempt from execution. Thursday, Oct. 19, 1843. Got up soon. After breakfast went to Senate Chamber, and prepared and, as member of the Judicial Com. report on my court bill, as ordered by Committee. The amendments reported, were in favor of two Circuit Courts annually no reduction of present number of circuit, but reduction of the salaries of Circuit Judges from $1500 to $1300 annually and for special terms of the Courts where the business requires it. Report laid on table. This, I moved, that I might prepare and offer, when report is called up, amendments proposing to reduce the number of Judges, and Circuits, as well as salaries. Mr. Nicholson from Cam. of Ways and Means', made report in favor of general retrenchment. Jennings introduced a Bill, as a party move, to provide for paying deficit on state debt, by subtracting part of school and Academy money etc and moved its reference to Select Com. This would place him at head of Committee, so as to enable him to make a Bunkum report. I opposed the reference on the ground that the same subject was already before the Com. of Ways and Means, where this bill ought to be sent. This proper Com. etc. He withdrew his motion, and his bill is on the table, having passed without objection, by rules, on first reading. Recd letter from Hon. T. P. Moore, of Harrodsburg, Ky. in answer to mine of 9th. giving his views of Presidency and Vice Presidency. His letter is dated 14th inst. See it. Wrote to H. L. Turney, by T. H. Hopkins, who leaves in stage in morning to attend to my business at Court at Manchester (Coffee Co) on Monday next, and especially to attend to Hatfields case against McGowan. Enclosed to him a short note to Johnson Phillips about his case. Informed him that I could not leave here on account of Francis and Grahams elections that he, with Mr. Hopkins, who is a candidate here for Atto. Genl. in 13th Circuit, must save me with my clients. . . . Col. G. W. Sevier, through Mr. Jennings, sent in letter, donating his fathers sword, voted to him by N. Carolina to State. See Diary of tomorrow. Friday, Oct. 20, 1843. Got up early finished letter of last night to Dr. Smartt. Gave my letters to Mr. Hopkins at Washington Hotel. Went to Senate Chamber, when Doorker brought in a letter from Dr. Smartt of Wednesday last, informing me that my mother appeared better. Went in haste, and wrote a short reply of acknowledgment and thanked him and Sally for their attention to mother and found Hopkins and gave it to him. Went back to Senate, and submitted my amendment to Circuit Court two terms Bill, in lieu of 1st section of amendment reported yesterday by myself from Com. on Judiciary. This last amendment provides for reduction of Circuits from 14 to ten two terms annually, with special terms when necessary and reduction of Judges salaries from $1500 to $1300. The Bill to secure married women in their property, was passed 3rd. and last reading in Senate. Nelson of Knox submitted two answers in chancery from officers of Hiwassee Railroad Comp. to suit brought against them by Atto. Genl. in name of state. The papers were copies of answers directed to no one here and were perhaps intended to be imposed on the Genl. Assembly as answers to the Interrogatories of the Gen. Assembly, in my resolutions passed 5th January, 1842, and printed with acts of Session 1841-2. The papers were laid on the table. Had the Journal of yesterday corrected, so as to show, that it was on my motion, that letter of Col. G. W. Sevier, transmitting and donating to the state the sword voted to his father Gen. John Sevier by Gen. Assembly of N. Carolina, for his gallantry at Kings Mountain in Revolutionary war, was ordered to be enrolled on our Journal. The motion prevailed unanimously to receive sword, as did my motion, and also Dr. Jenning's resolve, as to the manner in which Col. Sevier should present the sword to the two Houses when hereafter met in Convention in the Hall of the House. At 11 Houses went into Convention to elect Registers for Mountain and Western Districts Dick Nelson elected to first without opposition -Nine candidates were put in nomination for Register of the Western district 7 Whigs and 2 democrats. W. O. Butler, son of Dr. W. E. Butler of Jackson, and Maclin Cross, son of John B. Cross, who lives in McNairy, were the democrats. After voting a considerable, Butler's name was withdrawn. The Senate finally adjourned without an election. Saturday, Oct. 21, 1843. Senate met, and but little done, until the hour of 10 came, when Houses were to meet in Convention to elect Register and at 11 o'clock the Governor was to be Inaugurated in Hall of the House. Convention met, and noted several times without making an election. A recess was then had of the Convention to prepare for the reception of the Governor elect, and inaugurate by administering to him the oath of office. When the Convention was called to order, His Excellency, James C. Jones, the Gov. elect, (43) accompanied by a joint committee of the Houses, and by Rev. T. J. Wheat of the Episcopal Church, and by Chancellor Thos. L. Williams, came in, and by the Speaker, the Gov. Chanchlor [sic] and Parson were conducted to seats near the Chair, the Chancellor being placed on the right, and the Parson on the left hand of the Gov. After a fervent prayer by Mr. Wheat, the Governor delivered a short speech broached no new doctrine declared no creed avowed no set of principles but referred to his inaugural speech of Oct. 1841 and "reaffirmed and re-declared" the principles then avowed. He said those opinions would bear "the test of time and scrutiny of ages." This is an expressly [sic] borrowed and badly quoted from the conclusion of one of Mr. J. Q. Adams publications against Mr. Clay about the fisheries and "adjourned question of veracity" between those great men. The old Inaugural of the Gov. of 1841, was, in a great portion of its expressions and positions borrowed from Gov. Folk's inaugural of 1839, and was proved by the publications of both in parallel columns in the N. Union in Oct. 1841. The inauguration was a poor affair. Old Gen. Gaines and lady, and Mrs. V. K. Stevenson came in just before the Gov. ceased speaking. The[y] heard only the "peroration of his noration" [sic] and no other ladies attended. No crowded lobbies testified that anything of moment was going on. The Gov. who is proud of his personal bearing, and is a vain dandy, appeared in a full suit of Tennessee manufactured silk, presented to him a few days since by the silk company chartered, I believe, at the first Session of the Assembly in 1841-2. In the evening saw W. H. Polk and Humphreys together, and agreed to meet on Monday evening at Judge Austin Millers room, to consult on arrangement of matters preparation of papers, Address etc, for the state convention next month and to consult about proper persons for Delegates to the National Convention. I suggested L. H. Coe and J. Blair, as the two at large, corresponding with the number of our Senators in Congress for two Delegates. Rec'd letter from Gov. Polk, but had written him last night, and had enclosed T. P. Moore's letter. Expect an answer by Monday as that is the day on which he is to leave his home at Columbia for Mississippi. . . . Sunday, Oct. 22, 1843. Rose rather late. It rained incessantly last night. Sent Mr. Rawling's boy Sandy with a few Alines to Dr. Smartt, and a letter to L. N. Ford of yesterday's date, giving an account of the inauguration. It will appear in the Gazette, McMinnville. Read The Lady Alice, or Nobleman's Daughter, a Tale of Reformation in England. Scene is laid about time of Cardinal Wolsey's downfall, and the seizure of the Monasteries. The characters of Hubert, the monk, who becomes a martyr, and of Alice are drawn with great power, but rather beyond nature even when supported by superstition, enthusiasm and fanaticism. Hubert has a courage and virtue beyond humanity, and she fortitude and purity beyond the angels. These two, were, of course, virtuously and piously in love with each other without the possibility of ever being united on earth. He becomes a martyr, and saint, and she dies broken hearted, in spite of religious resignation. After this, read, as printed in same No. of the Boston Notion, [sic] Spallatro the Robber, being the confession of under sentence of death to a priest. It is a romantic and visionary tale, and if it inculcates any moral, it is an admotion (sic) to avoid wine and women these being indicated by the red cup, and visionary female shown to Spallatro at his dwelling. It is inculcated by these I think, but obscurely, that wine and women carry men to the devil. I spent a rather unpleasant day. I, however, about 10 o'clock in the morning learned from Col. Boiling Gordon, that the Hon. Cave Johnson was at the Inn, and wished to see me. I waited on Mr. Johnson. He had been in town all the previous day, but I did not know it. We talked over all the presidential and Vice Presidential prospects, and agreed, that the course I informed him we expected to take at our State Convention, was, probably best; though he was inclined to think as good a way as we could do4 would be to hoist the flag for Polk and Van Buren. I suggested that such would be my most ardent wish if we could promise ourselves success, or as much chance for success, as to send our Delegates to Baltimore next spring, uncommitted and unbound as to the presidency. I promised to write to him, and he promised to write me his views, and last impressions, and suggestions as to a Delegate from his district. With him and A. V. Brown, I have agreed to keep up constant correspondence after they leave for Washington. . . . Monday, Oct. 23, 1843. Got up refreshed, and after breakfast went to town and Senate Chamber. Resolution passed, and sent to the House, opening biddings for public printing, on application of W. L. Bang and Co, being the journeymen printers of Nashville offering to do work for a price as low as journeymens wages, being greatly below other bids. Voted for proposal. Voted for Mr. Powells proposition to tax Lawyers, Doctors, Dentists etc. Mr. Turney moved to amend title of the resolution, so as to make it read as proposition to tax the poor. Voted against this amendment. In the evening attended the silk convention in the Hall of the House, by candle light. Dr. John Shelby of Davidson was appointed president for next year, and [ ] (44) In some remarks submitted by myself, on call of Mr. Garden and others, I thanked the silk society for the honor they had done my county, in adjudging the cacoons raised by Mrs. Randolph and family to be the best that had been brought to market during the season. I said also, that I had voted for the moderate silk bounty in the Assembly in 1841, and was proud to see the good effects of the bounty. That I felt sure that it was right then, whatever the public state of our finances may require us to do now. The silk business as a branch of domestic industry as a meritorious branch of Household industry, which never can become a monopoly in which all, rich and poor, old and young, may freely participate is now established upon a sure footing. I said further, that the practicability of success in the silk growing and manufacturing business no longer rested upon conjecture and theory, hut was demonstrated by the rich specimens of silk, cacoons, eggs, and manufactured article, consisting of satins, vestings, velvets, plain and figured hose, gloves, etc. Now spread out on tables before the Convention. I said that success in the silk business in the United States, was a verification of the prophetic anticipations of our ancestors [sic]. Even before the Revolution, in early colonial times, success and profits in this business had been looked to with confidence by many colonists, and especially those of Maryland and Georgia, one being one of the oldest, and the other one of the youngest of the Colonies. Since that question of bounties which had been allowed by 17 states was before the Assembly in 1841, I had noticed and noted these facts, and now adverted to them with pleasure. I concluded by saying, that I looked upon the success of the silk business in Tennessee was now certain. The delusion of the moms multicaulus humbug has passed away, and the whole business has assumed a practical aspect. No man, said I, more ardently desires to see the success of this enterprise than myself; and I am particularly proud to see the advance, which the mountain district has made in this business. Warren, Coffee, Cannon and White Counties have sent rich specimens of silk to market^ they are before the Convention. That district, with which I am politically and socially connected, in time, said I, will, from her soil, water power, health, and other advantages, hereafter become a flourishing, a prosperous manufacturing region. She will, though we may not live to see it, hereafter have her Lowells, Patersons, and Steubenvilles the falls of the Caney Fork, the falls at Stone Fort, on Piney, and a hundred other points on the rivers of the Mountain District present the best sites for water power and manufacturing establishments in the whole great South West. So I concluded. Went home late, to Mr. Kizers, and slept well. On this day, the election of Register was completed. The contest was narrowed down until none but W. W. Searcy of Carroll, and R. Elder of Gibson were in nomination. Then Elder beat Searcy, by vote of 54 to 40. I voted for Searcy both beings Whigs because he is a cripple, and has a large needy family. Tuesday, Oct. 24, 1843. Slept late and soundly, and got up and went to Senate. I introduced A Bill to tax Gold watches, plate, paintings and Jewelry at 5 per cent on value where over $50 and to tax pianos 2 per cent on value, except where used in schools, Academies, and by teachers in giving instructions in music. Rec'd letters from J. W. Ford, communicating a No. of Sparta Gazette of 21st instant, containing a communication from John B. Rodgers as to course of himself and Whig party in the Assembly on Seat of Government question and a letter from Dr. Smartt advising me that my mother is improving in health. At night, wrote letter to L. N. Ford for publication about silk business and Convention. Also wrote an Answer, signed "Collins River," addressed to Editor of Central Gazette, and enclosed it in letter to Mr. Ford to be published next Friday. Rec'd a letter from Gov. Polk, dated 22nd. instant, re-enclosing to me Maj. T. P. Moore of Harrodsburg, of 15th instant all on subject of the Presidency and Vice Presidency, National Convention our State Convention and Delegates. Talked with R. W. Powell, and urged him to accept appointment of Delegate to N. Con. from 1st. Cong, district with A. Johnson (44) as alternate. Urged him to write to John Blair of Jonesboro and get him to agree to serve as one of the Delegates for the State at large L. H. Coe being the other. In the evening went to the Room prepared near Union office (after supping at Mr. Rawlings) for consultation with Democrats. A meeting had been appointed to consult on preliminary measures preparatory to sitting of State Convention. It rained so much that but few came. Mr. Nicholson came late. All went away and appointed tomorrow evening for meeting. It was at this room I wrote to Ford as before stated. Slept at Rawlings, and read in Richmond Equirer before going to sleep, money article from N. York Herald on Tariff and banking etc. These able articles are written by Mr. Kettell of N. Y. Richie [sic] calls on him for information as to effect of Tariff of 1842. It was stated in a Whig paper which I read, that a Mr. Raymond (one of the Editors of the New York Tribune) is the author of the Life of Henry Clay prefixed to the late edition (selection) of his speeches. Wednesday, Oct. 25, 1843. Rec'd letter from C. C. Clay (Judge of the Supreme Court of Alabama, formerly Gov. and Senator and representative in Congress from that State ) dated Oct. 21, 1843 acknowledging mine of the 17th instant, on the subject of the Presidency and Vice Presidency informs me that he [is] friendly to Polk and Col. W. R. King. Wrote letter to Hon. Nathaniel Terry of Limestone Co. Al. on the subject of Gov. Folk's claims to the Vice Presidency, rec'd letter from Dr. Smartt. At night, at Kizer's read the commencement of Miss Bremer's President's Daughter's, translated by Mrs. Mary Howett. Good book I believe. Fredericks Bremer and Mary Howett, for their naturalness and love of domestic life and rural scenes are my favorite authors, in petticoats, of the present day. Got a variety of newspapers from Union office, Missourian St. Louis Reporter etc. showing the split which old Shadrack Penn is trying to make in the democratic party in that state. The Missourian, which I will transfer to my Scrap Book, contains Col. Benton's Speech at St. Louis, and proceedings of city authorities on death of Dr. Linn (Lewis F.) Senator in Congress from that state. Slept with Houston, and slept well. In course of day debate sprung up upon report made by Mr. Cullom as chairman of Com. on Banks, rejecting appointment of Commissioners, and recommending examinations of officers of banks on oath before examining Committee of members. Took part in debate. Plan of Committee is the same which I was in favor of in 1841, when Gov. Jones' recommendation of Commissioners was rejected. The reasons of committee are the same I then gave in a published speech at called session in 1842, when the recommendation was renewed by Gov. Jones. See debate of this day in next Banner and Union, of the dates of tomorrow and next day. Thursday, Oct. 26, 1843. Got up refreshed. Received letter from T. H. Hopkins, from Coffee, advising me that H. L. Turney was sick and could not attend to my law business at Manchester. That my friends there approved of my course on seat of Govt. question. Recd letter of 11th. October, 1843, from my friend Jonathan King, near Abingdon, Va. Informs me that his eldest daughter is married (fall of 1842) to a son of Benj. Pemberton that David Vance has gone to Mississippi. That land is dear etc. This friendly letter I will answer. My Two Term Circuit Court Bill came up my amendment for reducing circuits from 14 to 10, and Judges Salaries to $1200 per ann. was rejected and amendment of Committee on Judiciary, providing for two terms, special terms, and reducing salaries, without reducing member of circuits was adopted and Bill passed a second reading. I voted for my amendment, and loosing [sic] that, I voted for Committees amendment, and passage of Bill. The Bill restoring spring Musters came up, and passed 2nd reading, I voting for it as instructed by Gen. Patton's letter. Spent pleasant evening at home, reading and cutting pieces out of newspapers for Scrap Book, and Miss Bremer's Presidents Daughters. . . . Found Houston at home. Fear he is not reading to advantage. Talked with Ellen and Kizer about trying to get Dr. Smith, a young Yankee to Hickory Hill to teach my boys. Fear it will "cost more than it will come to." In Senate Gen. Cocke was severe, angry, and showed effects of age, in quarreling with Mr. Gordon on Bill incorporating Dandridge. Friday Oct. 27, 1843. Felt well all day. No matter of much import. The Bill to restore spring musters, Company and Batallion, called up and passed on motion of Mr. Ross of Lincoln. I voted for it; and informed Mess. Trott and Smartt of Gen. Patton's letter on subject. Read some in Bremer's Presidents Daughters. Saw Mr. Sam Smartt, who was staying at Washington Hotel (Hallum's) and he promised to take letters etc. for me in the morning. In the evening wrote to L. N. ,Ford, about retrenchment my Court bill etc, and to my father and Dr. Smartt. Sent Report of Com. of Ways and Means to Gen. Smartt, L. D. Mercer, Dr. Paine, Dr. Smartt etc, with my objections to taxes, and reduction of the school appropriations endorsed on back of them. Wrote my father about work on my House, and asked him and Dr. Smartt to send a barrel of potatoes by first passing wagon to as here, for use of Ellen as specimen of our Mountain produce; and so that I might send shoes to my negroes. Sent coarse pair to son John by Mr. Smartt. Asked to be constantly informed of state of my mother's health, and informed father of condition of all our family here, and contents of Jonathan Kings letter. Read more in Miss Bremer. She is charming writer. I am disposed to pitty [sic] and love poor Edla instead of hating or blaming. . . . Bill to run and better define line between Warren and Marion Counties, laid on table at request of Speaker Anderson. At his request, I had introduced the bill but had made it discretionary with the County Courts of the Counties, both concerning, to appoint surveyor, and have such parts of line run as were uncertain, and unmarked, but to be run according to calls of the old laws fixing and creating the Counties and their boundaries. This does not seem to suit Anderson; hence I suspect he or his constituents who have petitioned (mine have not petitioned) want some of our Territory, and I gave him notice, when Bill was laid on table, that I would consent to no mode of re-running line, but the manner specified in the Bill. This day Mr. Sneed from Committee on Finance, reported against the relief prayed for by Audley Harrison and others, and securities of John Grove, late sheriff of Warren. I had introduced a Bill for their relief, which with the petition, had been referred to that Committee. The Bill provides that on securities Harrison is the person who must do it paying up full arrearages of Grove's defalcation of state tax due the Treasury, it being a balance, the interest shall be remitted on such balance. The petitioned signed by Squire Harrison, as one of the securities, and by J. P. Thompson, Jos. N. Carter and R. A. Campbell on his behalf, sets forth that Harrison has long since paid $1100 or $1200 for Groves defalcation of County taxes and never knew of balance, because no official claim had been set up, until lately of the balance now claimed by state, or it would have been long since paid. The petition stated Grove to be hopelessly insolvent, and that whole loss must fall on Squire Harrison. Hence, the prayer for remission of interest. On my motion report was laid on table, to see if further proof and reasons could be produced in favor of remission by petitioner before the report was concurred in and claim rejected. Will write to Squire Harrison on Sunday next. Went to bed early, and slept well. Saturday, Oct. 28, 1843. Went to Senate Chamber early. Read Nashville Whig, and sent Messenger, young Ferriss to Whig office, to have report of my remarks on Thursday last corrected as to Circuit Court bill, where he makes me speak as though there were but 12 circuits in the state, whereas there are 14. Saw reporter, who said correction would be made. Many Senators were absent, Gordon Martin, Allen etc., and Sneed got leave of absence. Bill to make property exempt from execution for debts liable for taxes, came up. It had been introduced by Nicholson. I spoke against it, It was, on motion of Mr. Turney, indefinitely postponed. Saw Dr. Young, and told him Jas. K. Polk had written letters here, urging his re-election, and trying to persuade W. H. Polk to go for him. Maj. Trott told me in the evening of sparring he had had in course of the day with Speaker Barringer. Saw Nave of Carter in evening who told me, that Speaker Barringer was threatening to have Mulloy, reporter of the Union, removed from a place in the House, because in reporting the proceedings of yesterday or day before, he had stated that most of the democratic members in the House, voted against Barringers motion to strike out of resolutions instructing bank Committee that portion which required the politics of borrowers at bank and branches to be disclosed. Nave said that he would have so voted, and that many Whigs would have so voted, as well as democrats, but that the speaker to sustain his own motion had decided in haste. I asked several democrats, Bobo among others, and they all said the democrats were against striking it out. The charge of the speaker is, that the report is false in stating that the democrats mostly so voted. I have no doubt it is true; and that they will nearly to a man so vote when called to vote. The Democrats in the Senate so vote. This conversation with Mr. Nave, who showed the report in the Union of to-day to Bobo and myself, was at Mr. Rawlings, where I stayed all night in room with Nave and Bobo. After supper went with some friends to meeting of Nashville Democratic Association. I first went to Gen. Armstrong's, who told me that he feared that A. Ewing and others, possibly at instance of Mr. Senator Nicholson, had intentions of stirring the question of preference and question of availability as to the different candidates for the Presidency at the meeting. I agreed with him that every such discussion was premature, and promised to suppress it if I could in the meeting. Before meeting was organized, I mentioned to Mr. Mosely, Maj. Hollingsworth, Dr. Kenny, Messrs. Crouch and Milligan, Sam Turney and others, that all such discussions in my opinion should be avoided. The meeting appointed committees to arrange for the Davidson County meeting on 1st Monday in November; to prepare resolutions, etc. Mr. Haynes, a member of the Association, Mr. A. Ewing in the chair, made an excellent speech against admitting members who did not subscribe the constition [sic], and concur in objects of the association. Hollingsworth and Mosely both spoke to same effect. After this business was done, Mr. Ewing called on me for a speech. I replied, in responding, that I came there to learn and hear to approve of the objects of the association, and for improvement and not to speak. I said that it had been now over ten years since I first became associated with the democracy of Davidson publicly. That while I had lived here, I had fought with them, especially after the great split in the party in 1835; and that since my lot had been cast elsewhere, I had still been with them, heart and hand, for the promotion of our principles. I said that I had never disagreed with them but upon one great local question, lately decided that I had been against their local and personal wishes on that subiect at all times, and had separated in it with many of my best and dearest friends whose personal and local interests were here that I did this with regret but with a clear sense of public duty the good p fthe people of the state the good of the great body of the democratic party, and in obedience to the express will of those of whom I had been for years the humble representative, and from my own convictions of Justice and right; and that if I had not, under these circumstances, differed with, and endeavored by all fair and honorable means to defeat the wishes and views of the loccal (sic) democracy of Nashville and Davidson County, dearly as I held them in personal estimation, I should have richly deserved the scorn and contempt of every old personal and political friend who now hears me of every good man of our party everywhere I need not say that I alluded to the seat of Government question lately settled. I expressed my approbation of the plan of the association, and that it deserved imitation everywhere. I exhorted our friends to keep down and eschew every discussion which might divide us all disagreements about preference of Presidential candidates. I said, that if we, in the contest of next year, can have Jas. K. Folk's name on our ticket, as a lieutenant Genl. Commanding the division of the republican army composed of the democracy of Tennessee, that we would whip the Whigs whether their Grand Army was commanded by the Hero of the Slashes and Mealbags - Judge McLean in his judicial robes, or Gen. Scott adorned with his epaulettes and military badges. I advised the admission of members into this association, who could give in proper experiences, and subscribe the constitution but all who knocked for admission, without being able to give in a proper confession of faith I advised that the answer should be given, given to the fellow who applied for admission into the Baptist church at Rock Springs, that we have quit taking in and told the anecdote. Dr. Kenny spoke to same effect, and said he would advise his friends to establish such an association as this at Jonesboro. He said not [sic] was not proper time, in his judgment, for us to disagree about or discuss our preferences for the candidates for Presidency. He said such associations as this, all over the State, would enable us to overthrough the Whig party and especially the party here, who were dominant, and had made Nashville a political Sodom and Gomorrah of Whiggery. Mr. Sam Turney on being called on, said all knew he was a true democrat that to get along at home he had been compelled like a hewer, to strike along an exact line. He said that if Van Buren was to be our next candidate for President we could gain no strength in his country, but loose votes. He thought Cass more available. He said he thought we ought to speak out he saw nothing wrong in it, and not restrain ourselves as had been suggested by myself and Kenny. I replied to him, that we were not here as a convention to make nominations, nor as a primary meeting of the people to pass resolutions expressive of preferences; that such discussions were premature, and, I believed, especially improper, as any disagreement among ourselves would be instantly known across the street, by the Whig Editors and newspapers who would roll our dissentions as sweet morsels under their tongues. Mr. Ross of Lincoln on being called on,' addressed the meeting. Approved of the association, and the good it may do by disseminating correct information in discussions and through the press. Spoke of the cart loads of Whig Banners which had been sent into his district (Franklin and Lincoln) during last summer. The meeting adjourned, with the understanding, that the Society would meet on the evening of Saturday next, and discuss the Tariff question, if members, or members of the legislature would attend and give their views in short speeches. Received letters from Dr. Smartt and Mary Argo in the evening, hers of the 26th his of the 27th inst. My mother no better. Mary asks advice if Mr. Argo had not better sell Mose, to raise means to begin some business. I will answer expressly no. If Mr. Argo should die, Moses, as a servant, must be nearly all poor Mary's dependence for support. Now he is out of reach of Mr. Argo, and his creditors. Bill for calling in branch banks, unless they make 6 pr cent, read second time, amended on my motion, to provide for buying state bonds at lowest rates. Sunday, Oct. 29, 1843. Slept at Mr. Rawlings' after attending the meeting of Democratic Association. Breakfasted before I went home to Kizer's. Maj. Bobo told me of his diffence [st'c] with Senator Ross of Anderson. He also requested me to prepare for him a minority report to be presented to House on Tuesday next, in one expected of Maury as Chairman of Com. on Federal Relations in the House on that day, on subject of mode of electing Senators to Congress. After I went home, wrote up Diary, and read Miss Bremer's Presidents Daughters a work of excellent moral and religious tendency. ... At night wrote letters to Judge Marchbanks and Mr. T. H. Hopkins at Manchester and to Audley Harrison about his claim for remission of interest. Also sent him N. Union of yesterday. In the evening also read more of Miss Bremer. I am absolutely in love with her as well as her translator Mrs. Howitt, the English Quakeress. Slept soon. Monday, Oct. 30, 1843. In course of day Judge N. Green applied to me in Senate Chamber to agree for Atto. Genls. election to come on next Monday in 13th (Marchbank's Circuit) Circuit. Told him I had written to Mr. T. H. Hopkins yesterday at Manchester, that election would not come on for sometime; and that I could consent to no day, as far as I was concerned, I wished to consult Mr. H. and his friends and would again write to Mr. Hopkins. This I did in the course of the day, and requested Mr. H. to come here by next Sunday or Monday. Today resolution, offered by Dr. Jennings, was passed to go into election of Treasurer and Comptroller on the 1st. Nov. prox. sent to House. Wrote to Capt. A. L. Davis about state of Bank question here and asked indulgence of him and Capt. Young, President of Branch Bank, Sparta, in renewing my notes. Promised Maj. Bobo to prepare a counter report on mode of electing Senators in Congress. Read Miss Bremer; and Humes letter on Free Trade in Lynchburg Virginian; and Kettells response to Ritchies inquiries, taken from Money article of N. York Herald of 10th and 11th inst. Bought coat for son of Melas the Jew. Tuesday, Oct. 31, 1843. Nothing new in course of the day. A joint resolution was passed by Senate, for which I voted, declaring it proper to reduce Secretary of State's salary to $700 Treasurer to $1,200 and Comptrollers to $1,500. Saw Maury's report to House, shown me by Bobo, on election of U. S. Senators, from Com. of House on Federal Relations recommending method of electing by joint vote in convention of the two Houses. It is grounded upon custom and precedent and because it is surest way of choosing Senators so as to conform to the will of a majority of the people. Promised Maj. Bobo to prepare a minority report, counter to the above, as early as I can, so as to do justice to the subject. In course of day hunted up my Protest on same subject in Senate Journal of 1841-2, at page 315 et sequiter; and yet need Gardner's speech in 1841, and Clay's speech on Bank charter in 1811, showing that legislature precedents are of no authority, and serve only to "confirm error and perpetuate usurpation." In evening bought Anthon's edition of Hughes' Tract in answer to Puseyites, from Billings. It is entitled [ ] (45) and is founded on the authority of many Bishops and their Pastoral charges in 1840-1-2 and 1843. . . I received Central Gazette of last Friday, having my piece signed Collin's River in reply to Gen. Rodger's letter in Sparta Gazette about seat of Government question. At night wrote to Ford about election of Treasurer and Comptroller also to Van Pelt date as of tomorrow, on same subject and doing justice to Graham's and Francis' claims. Commenced counter report for Bobo. Wrote till 12 o'clock, did not finish, and had no time to read anything. Did not sleep well. Wednesday, Nov. 1, 1843. This morning after arising early and revising my last nights letters, stnt them to post office, and hastened to Senate Chamber. Reed, letter from Dr. Smartt of the 30th. ult. (Monday morning) informing me that mother is no better in health. I am greatly distressed, and borne down by my sorrows. Everything aff[l]icts me. If I could, without dishonor, resign my seat here and go home, how gladly would I do it. At ten o'clock, the Houses met in convention to elect a Treasurer and Comptroller. The election Comptroller came on first, and was decided between D. Graham, nominated by W. H. Polk, and Zollicoffer, nominated by Mr. Cocke, by a party vote, except Shirrell Whig of Bledsoe, and Sneed Whig of Rutherford, voted for Graham democrat; and Gordon of Maury, and Gordon of Hickman, democrats, voted for Zollicoffer Whig. The election of Treasurer was then postponed by convention on motion of Mr. Cullom, by vote of 53 to 47, to 20th Nov. inst. All the Whigs voted for postponement but Shirill of Bledsoe. Debate sprung up in Senate on Turney's motion to strike out the section of retrenchment bill, the provision for taxing Judges salaries. Allen and Harris spoke in favor of striking out. Powell, Nicholson and myself in favor of retaining, claiming power under the constitution of Tennessee, to tax the salaries as income or privileges. Nelson spoke against it or in doubt. Cullom was for taxing. I spoke in favor of taxing Judges, Lawyers and Doctors. Gen. Cocke was for the power. Gordon against taxing Judges. Wrote to Ford of Central Gazette at home, and Van Pelt of Appeal at Memphis, about the proscription of Graham. Read papers, and felt not well but with small anodyne pill, slept well. Maj. Donelson showed me letters he had written to Moses Dawson, Hon. W. Allen, and Gov. Polk about Vice Presidency but said from movements of Andrew Ewing and others, he did not know whether to send them their course was ruinous to Polk and Dem. party here. Thursday, Nov. 2, 1843. Introduced in Senate and had read Petition from Trap [ ](46) of Smith praying to be annexed to DeKalb according to line run by Thomas Durham, which I had read, and transmitted to H. of R. The Bill came up again to tax Judges etc on motion of Mr. Turney. Nicholson spoke at large, and the debate was generally renewed, and motion to strike out tax on Judges and lawyers and Doctors, made by Mr. Turney was rejected and then the Bill was rejected on a tie vote of 12 and 12 Mr. Graham absent. Mr. Ross of Anderson made a motion to reconsider the Bill which lies on the table. The two Term Circuit Court bill was taken up, and several efforts made to strike out that part reducing the Judges salaries, on motion of Sneed, Cullom etc. After these failures, it was laid on table to give gentlemen time to arrange the times for the sitting of the Courts in the respective circuits. Mr. Martin of Wilson, while the Bill was under discussion, offered an amendment to abolish the Chancery Courts, and confer the Jurisdiction on the Circuit Courts. The amendment was rejected on a vote of ayes 9, Nays 16. Commenced reading Minna, another of Miss Bremer's admirable Tales. Friday, Nov. 3, 1843. The Senate were engaged good part of the day particularly the Whigs, in fixing up their resolutions for the proposed Bank investigation. Farringdon's amendment prevailed over Sneeds, to appoint three men in each bank district to make an examination, and report to the present Assembly. For Sparta district, Bransford, Minnis and Ned Cullom were in the amendment, but on my motion, Jas. P. Thompson was put and Maj. Taylor, Turney agreeing, and leaving out Minnis and Cullom. So it passed. Mr. Huddleston of Overton told me in the evening, that he would move in House, to put Dr. McHenry in place of Maj. Taylor. I will not object, as Capt. A. L. Davis the cashier, expressed a delicacy to me today in having Maj. Taylor, as he is his father-in-law. The Court Bill, for two terms, and reduced salaries passed finally in Senate, and the time of the Courts were all inserted. Got papers in evening from Maj. Heiss to write some for Union, Mr. Hogan being sick. Last night I wrote article about John Bell, as he was named in Jonesboro Whig and to-day wrote article which will appear as the leader tomorrow, headed, Presidency and Vice Presidency. I wrote this to put down a disposition in A. Ewing and others, and I feared Turney and Pierce Anderson are in it, instigated by Nicholson to have public expression of opinion from Cass and thereby crush all Folk's prospects for the Vice Presidency. Wrote further to Van Pelt about Graham's removal. Saturday, Nov. 4th. Saw L. Cheatham, and talked with him and Maj. Loving upon the necessity of putting down the disposition to introduce disputes into the Democratic Association, and Davidson County meeting questions about preferences for the Presidency. We all agreed that such course was ruinous to Polks interest, and true interest of party in Tennessee. Memphis Court Bill was passed yesterday and Bill amending attachment law today. Read Penn's letters, Nos. 3 and 4 to Col. Benton in St. Louis reporter. Will try to get 1 and 2nd. Read article on National Convention in Democratic Review as copied into Huntsville Democrat. Cut out man particles for Scrap Book from papers obtained at Union office, but feel too unwell to insert them. Sunday, Nov. 5, 1843. Did but little Read in Miss Bremer's Nina. Monday, Nov. 6, 1843. Wrote article for tomorrows Union headed "Whig Gratitude" etc. For legislative proceedings see Journals. Anxious to hear from home. Wrote Dr. Smartt that I would try to come home by next Wednesday. Little boy, John Johnson, escaped from Stickney's Circus and came to Twiss' and from there Twiss brought him to Kizer's. Fell [sic] interested for him. If the circus reclaim him he will be raised as a vagabond. To let them get him will be like selling him into slavery. If his profligate father has sold him, he ought to be reclaimed from such prospective ruin. Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1843. Tried to elect Attp Genl. in 13th Marchbank's Circuit, but could not. Votes for Hopkins. This night letter came informing me that my mother had died on Sunday. Did not get it til Wednesday morning. For the proceedings in Assembly, see Journal. Mr. Sherrell nominated Hopkins. After a time he was withdrawn. I voted then for Mr. Rodgers of Fayetteville. He was a democrat. Goff, Green and Kercheval, the other candidates all Whigs. Houston went to Mr. Bateys with boy John Johnson. Wrote to Mrs. B. Wednesday, Nov. 8th, 1843. After the Senate met Mr. G. R. Smartt the Representative from Warren; showed me a letter from Dr. Paine of McMinnville, stating my mother's death. Hopkins was nominated again by Mr. Huddleston. I voted for him till it was agreed to withdraw him from canvass. Mr. Rodgers had been withdrawn evening before, and Kercheval nominated. After I saw letter to Mr. Smartt, and received my letter from Dr. Smartt, I retired from the Convention requesting Col. Alexander of Shelby, or Mr. Gordon to ask for leave of absence for me, when my name should be called. I went home and returned no more to the Senate during the day. Goff was elected in evening as I hear, and election for 12th Circuit (Robt. Anderson's) commenced. Powell of Rogersville, Gaswell of Jefferson Co. Sawyers of Claiborne and Heiskell of Knox (son of Fred. Heiskell the old proprietor of the Knoxville register) were the candidates. Thursday, Nov. 9, 1843. Went to Senate in the morning, and then into Convention, and voted for Powell (a democrat son of the late Judge Powell) till his name was withdrawn, and then for W. R. Caswell till he was elected. He is son of Mrs. Ben McCulloch of Rutherford. Is now a citizen of Jefferson He voted for me in 1829, when he was just of age in Rutherford, against W. Brady, for a seat in the House of R. in Assembly. He is said to be a worthy man. He was elected. The next election was in 9th Circuit (Judge Harris in W. district) Hamilton of Carroll, Williams of Paris, Felix Parker of Robertson and [ ] (47) being candidates. J. B. Williams was elected. I and Smartt voted for Parker to secure vote of Bone of Gibson and others for Mr. Francis for Treasurer. Smartt told me he would go home tomorrow. For proceedings of Assembly see Journal. Wrote some things for Union. Piece for Saturday's paper, which will not appeal before Monday next about J. G. Adams visit to Cincinnati and invitation to Louisville. Saw Hon. A. V. Brown who told me he would be here some days. Friday, Nov. 10, 1843. Bought shoes, 7 pair altogether, and sent home in stage by Mr. Hopkins for Negroes and wrote to Houston at Mrs. Batey's, to send the two pair which he had there, with the 5 Hopkins had, as Mr. Hopkins would pass on home. Wrote to Dr. Smartt by G. R. Smartt, and to my father by Mr. Hopkins. Assembly did but little. Many Senators about Allen, Ross of L. etc. See Journal. Saturday, Nov. 11, 1843. Senate did but little. Rejected Nelson's Bill to allow counterparts to be served, over county lines, of warrants for debt issued by magistrates. Voted against it, because it would enable creditors with increased costs, to collect their debts first out of securities and endorsers; and because it would enable creditors, by a fictitious assignment, and suffering warrant to be issued against themselves, and sending counterparts to other counties, all over the state, to collect their debts at home; because it would disable debtors to give stays at distance, and because Culloms amendment, adopted to the bill, allowed justices executions in such cases, to be sent all over the state. Houston came back to-day having rode in the night from Batey's, Green's old place, near Buchanan's. Senate did not sit in afternoon. Andw. Ewing, or somebody, published to-day, a poor biography of Gen. Cass (Col. Cass) in the Union. Gen. Armstrong went to Hermitage, and received letter from Genl. Jackson, from Santa Anna, about releasing certain prisoners One a son of Reuben Bradley of Abingdon. Read W. L. McKenzies New York Examiner. (1st 3 Nos) to see his vile attacks on Mr. Van Buren. He is a poor hireling, and his enmity to Mr. V. B. arises from Mr. V. B as President of the U. S. interfering to prevent American citizens from interfering in Canadian revolt in 1838. McK. says he has made his declaration to become naturalized. Ellen is busy gardening, and this evening set out small row of little cedars running back from south side of lower front gate. Mr. Kizer got two new works yesterday, on Horticulture and farming Washington City, April 27, 1845. From some cause I was prevented from pursuing this Diary. A trip made hastily from Nashville home for three or four days, stopped my progress, and I did not resume it. After the Assembly adjourned in January 1844, I went home, but stayed only a short time. Before Assembly adjourned, as well as seen by letters and paper bound up in my letter book of 1844. I was requested in writing to return to Nashville in the spring, by all the democratic members, and by the State corresponding Committee at Nashville, and at Jackson, and to edit the Union newspaper and a weekly pamphlet called the Star Spangled Banner, during the canvass in the approaching Presidential election. I did so return, and except while I was at the Baltimore National Democratic Convention, in May and June, continued to Edit the Union and Star Spangled Banner until after the election, only going home in November long enough to vote. Among my bound manuscripts, will be found several Diaries and Journals, on common long paper. One a Journal of my trip to Washington City in 1834-5, preparatory to first establishment of the Nashville Union, by myself and (50) Editor, and M. A. Long as publisher, which was commenced in March, 1835, and first published in Market Street, Nashville in House the property of Willo, Williams, now Wills Drug Store. Another Journal so bound, is of my trip to the National Convention at Baltimore in 1840 like the last mentioned, however, being left incomplete. Another is notes made during my stay at Nashville at either Called or regular Session of Assembly in 1841-2. Another is notes of a hasty trip made to St. Louis, Mo. in April, 1844, to get Beza P. Kizer bailed out of prison for stabbing some blackguard who insulted him. There is also among my papers, old notes of a Journey from McMinnville to Philadelphia in 1814 made when a boy. and a small, bound Diary, printed for 1840 but containing memorandums of events of 1840-1841. 1842. 1843-4. and Family Record. After the Presidential election in 1844, in which James K. Polk and George M. Dallas were elected President and Vice President, I left home on 26 or 27th January, 1845, and left Nashville on 1st Feb. 1845, in company with President Polk and his wife, and a number of friends, and came to Washington City where we arrived on 14th Feb. 1844. After President Polk was Inaugurated, on the 15th March, 1845, he nominated me to Senate as Recorder of the General Land Office, and on 16th I believe Senate confirmed it, and on 17th I was commissioned, and went into office, where I found Thos. H. Blake of Indiana, a Whig, Commissioner. About middle of April Blake was removed, and James Shields of Illinois appointed. He entered on his duties about 17th of April. About 19th or 20th of April, Dr. W. M. Gwin, of Mississippi, and John C. McLemore, without my request applied to Robt. J. Walker, Secretary of the Treasury, who was pleased at once to send me word to send for my son Saml. Houston Laughlin and he would instantly appoint him on his arrival, a clerk in my office, at salary of $1,100 or $1,000 pr. ann. I saw Mr. Walker on evening of 24th April in company with Dr. Gwin near Presidents grounds, in front, and thanked him. He said he deserved none it should be instantly done, when Houston arrived. I sent for Houston on the 22nd of April. On the 23rd, I informed President Polk what Mr. Walker had done not at my request pr knowledge but for which I was grateful. Told him I thought it right to let him know of it, as I would take no steps about office matters, for myself or my son, without his knowledge. He said what Mr. Walker had done met his distinct approbation. All other matters however are fully note[d] in my rough-calf bound Note Book, Octavo, marked No. 1. My journey to Washington with the President is in a similarly bound, but smaller book and ends in March, 1845, after the Inauguration of President Polk, but is resumed with the large and fuller book marked No. the Introduction to which is a fair and compendious account of my life, my family, connections and adventures. A large portion of the book is taken up with this autobiography. I intend, in that book, and one like it to be marked No. 2, to take up my Diary on 1st May 1845, and continue it at least while I remain in Washington. 1st May is my birthday. (51) 1- Cp. the introduction to "Letters of James K. Polk to Cave Johnson, 1833-1848" (Doc.), Tennessee Historical Magazine, Volume i, p. 218. (Hereafter cited as Polk-Johnson Letters.) 2- J. Phelan, History of Tennessee, chapters 36, 37. 3- Polk-Johnson Letters, pp. 229-232. 4- A reference to page 85 of the MSS. 5- This was the orthodox Democratic view of Judge White's course. As the majority of the voters in Tennessee had supported Judge White, it would seem that "all good men," though few, were in the Democratic fold! 6- Andrew Jackson, on his retirement from the Presidency, kept in constant touch with the state Democratic organization of Tennessee. In 1839 James K. Polk had achieved a great party success in the defeat of Newton Cannon tor governor. This, with his record as Congressman and Speaker of the House of Represntatives, made Polk "available" for national office. 7- R. M. Johnson, of Kentucky, was distasteful to Southern men because of alleged irregularity in his domestic affairs. 8- John Forsyth, of Georgia, Secretary of State, and W. R. King, Senator from Alabama. See Polk-Johnson Letters, p. 230 9- Blank in Ms. 10- Blank in Ms. 11- Felix Grundy, Senator from Tennessee. 12- Hopkins L. Turney, Representative from Tennessee. 13- Harvey M. Watterson, Representative from Tennessee. 14- Of New Hampshire. 15- Representative from Tennessee. 16- Blank in Ms. 17- C. C. Clay. of Alabama. 18- William Carroll, of Tennessee. 19 The Baron Bodisco, who married Miss Harriet Williams, of Georgetown. 20- Blank in Ms. 21- James Carroll, of Baltimore. 22- Here the Diary breaks off. 23- The establishment of a fixed capital for Tennessee was a matter of long dispute, which illustrates excellently the sectional and party jealousies which characterized this and other American commonwealths. The Tennessee Constitution of 1796 (Article X, Section 1) fixed the seat of government at Knoxville, in East Tennessee, until 1802. The Assembly continued to meet in Knoxville until 1807, when the session began in Kingston, a few miles to the west of Knoxville, but was adjourned to Knoxville. The sessions continued to be held in Knoxville through 1811. 'The next year a called session was held in Nashville, in the western (now the central) part of the state. This led to further sessions in Nashville until 1817, in which year Knoxville was again chosen. But the East had lost its grip, and in 1819 the Assembly met in Murfreesboro, a town which was in the same general region as Nashville and which continued as the meeting place of the Assembly until 1826, when another called session met in Nashville. Nashville continued thereafter to be chosen, but, through the jealousy of the other sections, without any guarantee of permanence. As Laughlin states, the Constitution adopted in 1834 (schedule, Section 2) required the first Legislature to meet after the next enumeration by census, which would he made in 1843, to fix, within the first week of its session, a seat of government. 24- Principal. 25- The Hermitage was the resort of many foreigners of distinction who traveled in the West. 26- John Catron, appointed by Jackson Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, was one of the inner circle of the Jackson leaders. Edmund Pendleton Gaines, Brigadier General in the U. S. A., was at this time in command of the Western Division of the Army. 27- A. O. P. Nicholson, of Columbia, appointed United States Senator by Polk to fill the unexpired term of Felix Grundy, who died December 19, 1840. 28- Ephraim H. Foster, Bell's rival for the leadership of the Whigs. Foster and Spencer Jarnigan had been the leading Whig candidates to fill the Senatorship in 1841-1842. 29-The group of Whig leaders at Nashville. Jealousy of the influence of Nashville is found much earlier. C. Folk-Johnson Letters, p. 212. 30- A partisan statement of a matter which, whatever the facts, was strongly colored by party feeling. 31- The Bank of Tennessee, charterd in 1837-1838, became a football of state politics. 32- One session of the Assembly had been held in this town in 1807. 33- An excellent illustration of state log-rolling. 34- For concurrence Allen, Bradbury, Cocke. Cullom, Farrington. Gardner, Gordon, Harris, Henry, Jennings, Martin. Nelson. Powell, Ross of A. Sevier, Torbett, Voorhies 17. Against concurrence Critz, Davis, Laughlin, Nicholson, Ross of L. Sneed, Turney and Speaker Anderson 8. [Note in original.] 35- Blank in Ms 36- The bitter fight over the election of two Senators to which reference is made in the introduction 37- This was the plan actually carried out. See Folk-Johnson Letters, p. 229. 38- Copias ad satisficiendum. 39- Blank in Ms. 40- See Polk-Johnson Letters, p. 225, note 72. 41- This threat of a movement for Cass later met with Folk's disapproval: Polk- Johnson Letters, p. 234. 42- The nephew of Mrs. Andrew Jackson, later Minister to Texas. 43- Governor-elect" for his second term. He defeated Polk both in 1841 and in 1843. 44- Andrew Johnson, of Greeneville, elected in 1843, Representative in Congress 45- Blank in Ms. 46- Blank in Ms. 47- Blank in Ms 48- In ink of a different color. 49- A slip for "as." 50- The other volumes to which the diarist here refers seem, perhaps with one exception, to have been lost. Source: TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE Vol. 2. March, 1916. No. 1. - transcribed by AFOFG HOME